By Derrick Silimina

Zambia and Japan have strengthened their growing economic partnership following the successful hosting of the recent Zambia–Japan Business Forum held in Lusaka.

The meeting brought together 21 Japanese investors, senior government officials, and Zambian private‑sector leaders to build on progress made during President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to Japan in February 2025, which paved the way for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.

“We acknowledge Japan’s long-standing role as a trusted development partner. The recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is a key instrument to boost investor confidence and open new opportunities for private-sector-driven growth,” Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga said when he officiated at the business forum.

Mulenga described the event as a major milestone in advancing trade and investment relations adding that the forum sought to move beyond traditional frameworks, exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Albert Halwampa, in a presentation, encouraged the visiting delegation to explore opportunities and partnerships across priority sectors, including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and transport.

“We urge businesses from both countries to build strong partnerships that translate the forum’s engagements into concrete investment outcomes,” Halwampa said.

He noted that Zambia’s political stability, pro‑business reforms, and access to regional markets through SADC, COMESA, and the African Continental free Trade Area (AfCFTA) positions the country as an attractive investment destination.

Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Mikami Akiteru highlighted the significance of the forum in strengthening ties between Japan and Zambia.