2019 National KAIZEN Conference
2019/3/19
2019 National KAIZEN Conference took place at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka from 20th to 22nd February 2019. The Hon. Christopher Yaluma, Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry officiated the opening ceremony and Mr. Hidenobu Sobashima, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia who attended the ceremony also delivered a speech. The Conference was hosted by KAIZEN Institute of Zambia (KiZ) in cooperation with JICA under the theme “Continuous Improvement Towards Business Excellence through Quality Control Circles”. At the Conference, 21 teams from 16 companies and organizations made their presentations on KAIZEN activities.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Sobashima outlined the history of the Japanese economic development, the Zambian economic situation and the KAIZEN activities in Zambia. He pointed out that the hard work of Japanese people contributed to the economic development of Japan, and that in order for Zambia to become a prosperous middle income country, it is important to promote KAIZEN activities. To achieve “Vision 2030”, Ambassador Sobashima encouraged all companies and organizations participating in KAIZEN activities to make their best efforts and try to influence the neighbors of their reach to do so as well, so that the KAIZEN movement would spread as widely as possible in Zambia. Referring to H.E. President Lungu’s visit to Japan in December 2018, Ambassador Sobashima introduced that H.E. Prime Minister Abe and H.E. President Lungu confirmed that the relations between Japan and Zambia would enter a new phase, and the two leaders reconfirmed the importance of KAIZEN Project.
The Participants presented the outcomes of their KAIZEN activities on the ground such as problem analysis, action plan formulation and effective implementation method consideration. On the last day, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were given to the teams who demonstrated high performances. The Grand Championship was awarded to Team “Waste Utilizers” from Universal Mining and Chemical Industries Ltd, and the Runner-up prize to Team “Vivid” from Kanyama 1st Level Hospital.
The Japanese Government, through JICA, is supporting KAIZEN activities in order to strengthen the competitiveness of industries in Zambia. Through the “National KAIZEN Project Phase II”, Japan has supported strengthening KiZ’s management capacity and the development system for KAIZEN Consultant, provision of KAIZEN consulting services, and dissemination of KAIZEN activities nationwide.
To read the speech made by Ambassador Sobashima at this ceremony, please click here
