Yokohama, 21st August 2025—Vice President Dr. Mutale Nalumango has reaffirmed Zambia’s strong commitment to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process, calling for innovative, inclusive, and transformative partnerships to accelerate Africa’s economic development.
Delivering a statement on behalf of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema during the Plenary Session on Economy at the ongoing TICAD-9 in Yokohama, Dr. Nalumango conveyed fraternal greetings on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema and underscored Zambia’s resolute stance for inclusivity and regional cooperation as key drivers to Africa’s development.
Speaking under the conference theme “Co-Create Innovative Solutions”, the Vice President highlighted four priority pillars that must guide Africa’s collective efforts with partners:
Economic Transformation. The vice President stated that Africa must transition from raw material exports to value addition through agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, industrialisation and manufacturing. She stressed the importance of infrsatructure development and the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock intra-African trade and boost regional integration.
Equitable and Fair Global Financial Architecture. Dr. Nalumango underscored the need for a reformed global financial system that ensures fair access to redources, meaningful debt relief and greater representation of developing countries in global decision making process.
Investment in Human Capital. The Vice President called for increased investment in education, health, innovation and entreprenuership, particularly to harness Africa’s youthful population. She emphasised inclusivity, especially in empowering wome, youth and persons with disabilities as critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
Climate change. While Africa contributes the least to global emissions, it faces some of the harshest climate impacts. Dr. Nalumango urged stronger international support for climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, green financing and a just energy transition that enables Africa to adopt clean technologies without stifling its growth.
The Vice President reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to advancing the TICAD partnership as a platform for co-creating innovative solutions aligned with both the UN Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
She stressed that Zambia remains committed to working with Japan and other TICAD partners to accelerate sustainable development, regional trade and shared prosperity for Africa.
Issued by:
Faith Nabeene Chilube
First Secretary Press and PR
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, Tokyo, Japan and
Njenje Chizu-Press Aide, Office of the Vice President
