Zambia, Japan deepen economic ties as Lusaka Business Forum ends

Zambia and Japan have taken a significant step toward strengthening their economic partnership following the successful Zambia–Japan Business Forum held in Lusaka, which brought together 21 Japanese investors, senior government officials, and leaders from the Zambian private sector.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the forum builds on the progress made during President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to Japan in February 2025, which laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral collaboration.

Officiating at the event, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Chipoka Mulenga, described the forum as a major milestone in advancing trade and investment relations between the two countries.

He acknowledged Japan’s long-standing role as a trusted development partner and pointed to the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) as a key tool to boost investor confidence and unlock new opportunities for private-sector-driven growth.

Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Albert Halwampa encouraged the visiting delegation to explore opportunities in priority sectors, including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and transport.

He highlighted Zambia’s political stability, pro-business reforms, and access to regional markets through SADC, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as factors that make the country an attractive destination for investment.

Halwampa also urged businesses from both countries to translate the forum’s discussions into tangible investment outcomes.

Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan,Tobias Mulimbika, noted that the forum reflects the results of President Hichilema’s visit to Japan, which included commitments to deepen cooperation, promote trade, and expand Japanese investment in Zambia.

Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Mikami Akiteru, emphasized the importance of the forum in strengthening ties and noted that it aimed to go beyond traditional frameworks to explore new avenues for collaboration and growth.

The Lusaka forum signals a renewed commitment from both nations to expand economic cooperation, paving the way for mutually beneficial investments and long-term development partnerships.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.