Conveying warm greetings from President Hakainde Hichilema, the Vice President emphasized Zambia’s shared values with Japan and the expanding opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and development.
The Vice President said this during a bilateral meeting with Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in Yokohama today.
The Vice President underscored Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful and stable countries, assuring Japanese investors of a secure and predictable investment climate.
Mrs. Nalumango expressed gratitude for JICA’s support, which has advanced health, agriculture, and infrastructure initiatives, including climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy projects. She further noted that Zambia, endowed with critical minerals, offers significant opportunities for Japanese investment and technology transfer, particularly through partnerships with local investors.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed the Vice President’s visit, commending her long-standing advocacy for women and acknowledging Zambia as a strategic partner for Japan in Africa. She highlighted the signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) during President Hakainde Hichilema in February 2025 as a landmark achievement that has generated strong interest from the Japanese business community, particularly in Zambia’s energy, mining, health, and agriculture sectors.
He reaffirmed Japan’s intention to expand cooperation in mineral exploration through the private sector and institutions such as JOGMEC, and expressed optimism for the signing of a Political Dialogue Agreement before the end of 2025.
Both leaders also emphasized the importance of regional integration, with Zambia’s strategic position along the Nacala development transport Corridor offering expanded opportunities for regional trade and investment within the SADC, COMESA and the Eastern African Community (EAC). They further committed to strengthening cultural and educational exchanges, with Zambia eager to draw lessons from Japan’s education system to enhance skills development and innovation.
Vice President Nalumango reiterated Zambia’s support for Japan at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms, reaffirming Zambia’s role as a reliable friend and partner. She stressed that the partnership between Zambia and Japan is not only about economic growth, but also about shared values, peace, and a vision for sustainable development.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President attended the official opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, that brought together African Heads of State, government leaders, and international partners to advance Africa–Japan cooperation.
The opening ceremony was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, African leaders and senior representatives from international organizations.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized Japan’s long-standing partnership with Africa and reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development through investment in infrastructure, health, education, and climate-smart agriculture. He highlighted Japan’s focus on promoting peace, stability, and sustainable growth across the continent.
TICAD 9 is being held under the theme of “Partnership for a Resilient Africa”, and will focus on key areas including green growth, digital transformation, human capital development, and peace and governance.
The conference serves as a platform to strengthen Africa–Japan cooperation, foster private sector investment, and align development priorities with Africa’s own Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Issued by:
Faith Nabeene Chilube
First Secretary for Press and PR-Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, Tokyo, Japan and
Njenje Chizu-Press Aide, Office of the Vice President.
