Zambia and Japan have taken significant steps to deepen their economic partnership, marked by the successful Zambia–Japan Business Forum held in Lusaka. The event brought together 21 Japanese investors, senior government officials, and Zambian private-sector leaders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral ties. This forum builds on the momentum generated during President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to Japan in February 2025, which laid the groundwork for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. It reflects both countries’ commitment to fostering trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth through private-sector engagement. The gathering in Lusaka underscored Zambia’s determination to position itself as a reliable partner for Japanese businesses looking to expand in Africa.
Officiating the forum, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP highlighted the event as a milestone in advancing trade and investment relations. He emphasized Japan’s long-standing role as a trusted development partner for Zambia and pointed to the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) as a crucial mechanism to boost investor confidence. The BIT is expected to provide legal and economic protections that encourage Japanese investors to pursue ventures across multiple sectors. Hon. Mulenga stressed that the treaty is a reflection of both nations’ desire to move from formal agreements to actionable investments that can create jobs and drive growth. His remarks reinforced the importance of consistent policy support and collaboration between governments and the private sector.
During the forum, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Albert Halwampa encouraged the visiting delegation to explore opportunities across key sectors including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and transport. He highlighted Zambia’s political stability, pro-business reforms, and strategic access to regional markets through SADC, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as major incentives for investors. Mr. Halwampa also emphasized the importance of converting discussions into tangible projects that benefit both countries. He called for Japanese and Zambian businesses to form strong partnerships capable of translating forum engagements into concrete investments. The focus on sector-specific opportunities demonstrates Zambia’s targeted approach to attracting sustainable and high-impact investments.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, reflected on the progress made since President Hichilema’s February 2025 visit, noting that commitments made during the trip are now translating into real outcomes. He explained that the business forum serves as evidence of these efforts, showcasing Japan’s increasing interest in Zambia as a stable and attractive investment destination. Dr. Mulimbika highlighted the mutual benefits of expanding trade and investment flows, particularly through joint ventures and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The ambassador’s remarks reinforced the strategic importance of consistent diplomatic engagement in fostering economic growth.
Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Mikami Akiteru underscored the forum’s role in strengthening bilateral ties beyond traditional frameworks. He emphasized that the event provided a platform to explore innovative approaches for collaboration, moving past standard trade agreements to include technology transfer, capacity building, and joint development projects. Ambassador Mikami highlighted Japan’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s development agenda while creating mutually beneficial opportunities for Japanese businesses. The forum demonstrated the potential for dynamic partnerships that address regional challenges and unlock economic growth.
The Zambia–Japan Business Forum represents a key step in expanding the countries’ economic relationship. With strong political support, legal frameworks like the BIT, and targeted sector strategies, Zambia is well-positioned to attract Japanese investment that drives sustainable development. The event has created a clear pathway for concrete projects, partnerships, and knowledge exchange between the two nations. By building on the momentum of high-level diplomatic engagements and emphasizing private-sector collaboration, both Zambia and Japan are setting the stage for a robust, long-term economic partnership. The forum’s outcomes are likely to enhance trade flows, create jobs, and foster innovation, solidifying Zambia’s role as a strategic partner for Japanese investors in Africa.