Zambia invites Japanese private sector players to explore country’s investment opportunities

The Zambian government has invited Japanese private sector players to tap into the country’s broad investment potential in tourism, energy, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga, said Zambia is endowed with abundant natural resources and investor-friendly policies, making it an attractive destination for foreign direct investment.

According to a statement released on Thursday by Zambia’s First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Mission in Tokyo, Faith Chilube, Muhanga made the call on Wednesday during a meeting with the Mayor of Shinagawa, Japan.

Muhanga emphasized that Zambia’s participation in the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan offers a strategic platform to market the country as a competitive and reliable investment destination while strengthening bilateral ties with Japan.

“In 2024, Zambia registered about 2.2 million international tourist arrivals, with Japanese visitors increasing from 3,913 in 2023 to 6,778. We want to see even more Japanese nationals visiting and investing in Zambia,” Muhanga said.

He outlined investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure—including hotels, lodges, and transport systems—to unlock the potential of the country’s natural attractions such as national parks, waterfalls, freshwater bodies, and diverse wildlife.

Muhanga also urged Japanese investors to consider Zambia’s mineral wealth, noting its deposits of copper, cobalt, manganese, and gold—critical for smart technologies and green energy transitions.

On energy, he cited Zambia’s current power deficit and appealed for investments in renewable energy, particularly solar and clean energy technologies, to strengthen national energy security and enhance productivity across sectors.

“In line with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), Zambia has prioritized agriculture, health, education, energy, infrastructure, and industrialization. We are seeking strategic investments to support value addition and improve resilience,” he said.

He also highlighted the need for partnerships in skills development, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), through collaboration with Japanese institutions in vocational training and technology transfer.

Muhanga further emphasized investment in sports infrastructure, health innovations, and transport as key to complementing tourism and creating employment opportunities for Zambia’s youth.

“Zambia and Japan are celebrating 61 years of bilateral relations this year, and we see this Expo as a critical opportunity to deepen cooperation and foster long-term partnerships,” he added.

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Director for Domestic Trade and Commerce, Margaret Chikuba, said Zambia’s Expo 2025 participation will focus on the sub-theme “Connecting Lives for Sustainability”, showcasing national diversity, partnerships, and shared resources.

She noted that Zambia’s pavilion will highlight the country’s cultural richness, leadership, and commitment to sustainable development and global cooperation.

Shinagawa Mayor Kyoko Morisawa welcomed Zambia’s participation and expressed hope for deeper bilateral engagement.

Expo 2025 Osaka is a six-month global event under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” providing a platform for countries to promote investment, cultural exchange, and shared development goals.

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