Yokohama, Japan – August 20, 2025 – Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Japan, highlighting the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Speaking during a high-level meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Yokohama, Mrs. Nalumango underscored Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful and stable countries and invited Japanese investors to take advantage of the country’s conducive investment climate.
The bilateral meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), marked a significant milestone as Zambia and Japan celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Zambia–Japan Relations: Six Decades of Partnership
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, Zambia and Japan have enjoyed a strong partnership rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has been instrumental in supporting Zambia’s development across various sectors, including agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, and energy.
Vice President Nalumango expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their unwavering support to Zambia over the decades. She emphasized that Japanese assistance has contributed to life-changing programs in rural communities, including improvements in maternal health services, modern irrigation projects, and road infrastructure that has boosted trade and connectivity.
“Zambia remains deeply grateful to Japan for being a steadfast partner in our development journey. The support of JICA has made a tangible difference in the lives of our people, and we are determined to build on this strong foundation as we enter the next 60 years of cooperation,” she said.
Zambia’s Appeal to Japanese Investors
Highlighting Zambia’s role as a stable democracy in Africa, Mrs. Nalumango assured Prime Minister Ishiba that her government continues to prioritize good governance, peace, and the rule of law, which make the country attractive for foreign direct investment.
“Our government has created a secure and predictable investment climate that welcomes Japanese investors. Zambia’s abundance of natural resources, coupled with a young and dynamic population, offers unique opportunities for investment in mining, agriculture, renewable energy, and technology,” Nalumango noted.
She further underscored Zambia’s strategic geographical location, which positions the country as a regional hub for trade in Southern Africa.
Japan’s Commitment to Expanding Cooperation
In his remarks, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba commended Vice President Nalumango for her long-standing advocacy for women’s empowerment and her dedication to advancing inclusive development in Zambia. He described Zambia as a “strategic partner for Japan in Africa” and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to deepening ties across multiple areas of cooperation.
Mr. Ishiba revealed that Japan is keen on expanding cooperation in mineral exploration and processing, particularly through the involvement of the Japanese private sector. With Zambia being one of the world’s leading producers of copper and cobalt – minerals essential for the global transition to green energy – the Japanese government sees Zambia as a reliable partner in securing critical mineral supply chains.
He also expressed optimism that both countries would finalize and sign a Political Dialogue Agreement before the end of 2025, which would further institutionalize high-level exchanges and policy coordination.
“Japan looks forward to strengthening its partnership with Zambia not only in trade and investment but also in technology transfer, human resource development, and climate resilience,” Ishiba said.
TICAD 9: Advancing Africa–Japan Cooperation
Earlier, Vice President Nalumango joined African Heads of State, government leaders, and international partners at the official opening of TICAD 9 in Yokohama. The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is a platform initiated by Japan in 1993 to promote Africa’s development, peace, and security through inclusive partnerships.
This year’s conference focused on key themes such as sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, climate change mitigation, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment. For Zambia, TICAD 9 offered a unique opportunity to present investment prospects to Japanese businesses and attract partnerships in sectors that align with the country’s national development priorities.
During the event, Nalumango highlighted Zambia’s vision of becoming a middle-income country through industrialization, value addition in mining, and diversification of the economy into agriculture and manufacturing. She invited Japanese companies to explore investment opportunities in Zambia’s renewable energy sector, particularly solar and hydropower, as the country strives to achieve energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Beyond government-to-government cooperation, Nalumango emphasized the importance of cultural exchange, education, and people-to-people diplomacy in reinforcing Zambia–Japan relations. She praised scholarship programs and training initiatives funded by the Japanese government, which have enabled many Zambian students and professionals to study and train in Japan.
“These initiatives not only build individual capacity but also create a bridge of understanding between our peoples, which is essential for sustainable cooperation,” Nalumango stated.
Future Prospects
As Zambia and Japan commemorate six decades of diplomatic ties, both governments are setting their sights on a more ambitious agenda that leverages their respective strengths. Japan’s advanced technology, innovation, and expertise in infrastructure development align well with Zambia’s natural resources, youthful workforce, and strategic position in Africa.
With global attention on critical minerals, renewable energy, and climate change, Zambia’s collaboration with Japan is expected to expand beyond traditional aid into strategic partnerships that benefit both countries.
In her closing remarks, Vice President Nalumango expressed optimism that Zambia’s relationship with Japan would continue to flourish, driven by mutual trust and shared aspirations for prosperity and peace.
“Sixty years of friendship is not a small milestone. It is a testament to the enduring bond between Zambia and Japan. We look forward to building a stronger, more resilient partnership that will benefit not only our two nations but also contribute to regional and global peace and development,” she concluded.
