Osaka, 15th April 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Zambia is taking strategic steps to harness innovative technologies and attract investment into the country’s tourism , mining, Agriculture, manufacturing, energy and other priority sectors through its participation at the ongoing Osaka 2025 World Expo, which officially opened on 13th April 2025 in Yumeshima, Osaka, Japan.
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary (MCTI), Ms. Lillian Bwalya, reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to promoting Zambia as an investment and tourism destination to drive economic growth and development.
She noted that the Expo offers an invaluable platform for Zambia to identify and integrate global technologies and expertise into sectors such as tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, and health among others.
“This Expo is centered on innovation and future-oriented solutions. We believe it will enable Zambia to build strategic partnerships and draw inspiration from global best practices to add value to our local resources and improve service delivery to our people,” Ms. Bwalya said.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged Zambia’s private sector to take part in the Expo, highlighting its wide thematic reach covering health, women’s empowerment, technology, tourism, and investment as a unique opportunity to explore transformative technologies and collaborative ventures.
Ms. Bwalya emphasized that the Zambian Government is actively positioning investment in tourism to generate jobs, create sustainable wealth, and accelerate economic growth. “Our country’s rich natural and cultural endowments—ranging from majestic waterfalls and abundant wildlife to vibrant cultural heritage and peace—make Zambia a prime destination,” she said.
She also pointed to key government initiatives such as the visa-on-point of entry for over 160 countries and visa waivers for Japanese nationals, as well as major investments in infrastructure and site accessibility as measures that support increased tourism inflows.
The Permanent Secretary further added that efforts like the ‘Visit Zambia’ and ‘Zambia KuChalo’ campaigns, the Domestic Tourism Strategy, and the Tourism Investment Guide are actively shaping Zambia’s image as a competitive and attractive destination.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr. Tobias Mulimbika expressed pride in Zambia’s participation at the ongoing six-month Expo being held under the central theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
“This Expo is a global platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership. We are showcasing Zambia’s investment potential in line with the Expo’s three key sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. Zambia has prepared materials and artifacts that align with these themes,” Ambassador Mulimbika stated.
He announced that Zambia’s National Day will be celebrated on 7th July 2025, and that the Embassy, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), is organizing an Investment Forum to highlight opportunities in various sectors of Zambia’s economy.
Ambassador Mulimbika further noted that the Expo is structured around eight sub-thematic areas, including:
• Co-creating Cultures for the Future
• The Future of Community and Mobility
• Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter
• Peace, Human Security and Dignity
• The Future of Earth and Biodiversity
“These sub-themes directly align with Zambia’s national development agenda, and the Embassy is committed to using this platform to strengthen diplomatic engagement, attract foreign investment, and forge meaningful collaborations with other participating nations,” he said.
The Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, officially known as Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, commenced on 13th April 2025and will run until 13th October 2025. Taking place on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, the Expo has brought together over 150 countries and 25 international organizations.
Held under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Expo focuses on showcasing forward-thinking technologies, sustainability solutions, and international cooperation to solve global challenges. It serves as a global platform for innovation, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and strategic diplomacy.
Zambia’s participation demonstrates the country’s readiness to engage with the global community and leverage cutting-edge technologies and ideas to drive sustainable economic transformation.
Issued by
Faith Nabeene Chilube
First Secretary, Press and Public Relations
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, Tokyo, Japan
