Japan-Zambia Business Forum (Organized by JETRO&JICA)
2026/3/13
On 6th March 2026, the "Japan-Zambia Business Forum" was successfully held, co-hosted by the JETRO Johannesburg Office and the JICA Zambia Office. The forum brought together 18 Japanese companies that had visited the country for market research, along with representatives from the Zambian government and private sector. The embassy provided support and cooperation to this forum.
During the forum, Honourable Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, delivered the keynote speech, followed Mr. Albert Halwampa, Director General of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) who highlighted the investment and trade potential and attractiveness of Zambia.
Furthermore, Japanese companies presented their business activities, and a graduate of the ABE Initiative shared insights of his achievement to the audience.
Ambassador Mikami remarked on the recent shift in aid policy towards Africa from "aid to investment” and expressed his anticipation that through this forum and the actual visits to Zambia, Japanese companies would discover diverse investment opportunities, not limited to the mining sector. He also hoped that Japanese companies’ strong commitment to high-quality products and services could be effectively utilized in Zambian business environment, and that this forum would lead to the creation of concrete businesses.
Approximately 150 business representatives from both Japan and Zambia gathered at the venue. Following the forum, a networking event facilitated enthusiastic business exchanges and vibrant interactions between business representatives from the two countries.
During the forum, Honourable Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, delivered the keynote speech, followed Mr. Albert Halwampa, Director General of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) who highlighted the investment and trade potential and attractiveness of Zambia.
Furthermore, Japanese companies presented their business activities, and a graduate of the ABE Initiative shared insights of his achievement to the audience.
Ambassador Mikami remarked on the recent shift in aid policy towards Africa from "aid to investment” and expressed his anticipation that through this forum and the actual visits to Zambia, Japanese companies would discover diverse investment opportunities, not limited to the mining sector. He also hoped that Japanese companies’ strong commitment to high-quality products and services could be effectively utilized in Zambian business environment, and that this forum would lead to the creation of concrete businesses.
Approximately 150 business representatives from both Japan and Zambia gathered at the venue. Following the forum, a networking event facilitated enthusiastic business exchanges and vibrant interactions between business representatives from the two countries.