Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, has called for deeper commercial engagement between Zambia and Japan, noting that while Japan has long been a key development partner, its investment footprint in Zambia remains relatively low.
Speaking at a business forum, Mr Mulenga has expressed gratitude to Japan for its continued financial support to Zambia, mostly in the form of grants to critical sectors such as agriculture, education and health.
Mr Mulenga, however, stressed that Zambia now seeks to move beyond development assistance and build sustainable commercial relations.
Mr Mulenga said this during the first ever Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) business forum, in Lusaka.
The forum, arising from President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to Japan in February 2025, focused on key sectors, including energy, manufacturing, agriculture and transport, among others.
The Minister highlighted the recent signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) during the state visit to Japan, in 2025, as a turning point in strengthening economic ties.
“The signing of the BIT marked a major milestone in advancing and safeguarding investment between Zambia and Japan. This agreement underscores our shared commitment to creating a stable, predictable, and mutually beneficial investment environment for businesses in both countries to thrive,” Mr Mulenga noted.
He added that business events such as the forum would help change the narrative by encouraging more Japanese companies to explore opportunities in Zambia’s growing economy.
The Minister reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to fostering a business‑friendly environment that encourages investment, innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
He added that government also encourages the promotion of joint ventures and partnerships to help ease access to affordable capital and technology.
He emphasised Zambia’s advantages as an investment destination, highlighting the country’s strategic location in Southern Africa, offering access to regional and continental markets.
The Minister added that Zambia’s democratic stability and peaceful environment, assures the safety of investments.
He further stressed the absence of exchange controls, allowing full repatriation of after‑tax profits and pointed to competitive fiscal incentives and the availability of skilled labour as additional benefits.
Meanwhile, Mr Mulenga revealed that government is streamlining business registration processes, simplifying the regulatory framework, and expanding access to finance to enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMSEs), grow compete and contribute to meaningful national development.
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Explain to your leader