JETRO Leads Japanese Business Delegation to Zambia

In March 2026, JETRO organised a business mission to Zambia. 21 Japanese delegates from different spheres of business including trading, logistics, machinery and investment corporations travelled from all over the world to gather in Lusaka. The aim of the mission was to strengthen bilateral economic ties and reciprocate President Hichilema’s visit to Japan in 2025. 

The delegation’s focus was to increase understanding of Zambian mining, agriculture, energy and infrastructure whilst connecting to the Zambian business community. Visits to Richmond Farms and Zambeef provided insight into commercial farming activities, agricultural retail networks and meat processing capabilities. 

Furthermore, Lunsemfwa Hydro and Kabwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the delegation in Kabwe. Introducing Japanese companies to the Kabwe business community and the potential of hydroelectric power in Zambia. In Kitwe, renewable energy was further discussed by Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC). Delegates toured one of CEC’s latest solar farms. The farm serves as a way to generate power for the local community as well as allowing university students to use it as a test facility and learn practically. The delegates were able to understand what plans are in place to ensure a stable power supply is available for the mining industry on the Copperbelt and how the power grid is managed in the Kitwe region. 

In addition to this, Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) took delegates through their mining facilities. This gave an understanding of the processes behind cathode copper mining. MCM CEO Charles Sakanya stated that they wish to triple copper production in the near future. Shaft mining is done on the premises, and ore is processed by the onsite concentrator, smelter and refinery. There is also a tertiary education training centre that uses the latest VR technology to train future miners, mechanics and engineering technicians.

The mission concluded with JETRO in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Zambia Office, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) Johannesburg Office, the Embassy of Japan in Zambia, the Zambian Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI), Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Embassy of Zambia in Japan hosting a business forum in Lusaka. Keynote speeches were given by Honourable Minister Chipoka Mulenga (Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry), His Excellency Zambian Ambassador to Japan Dr. Tobias Mulimbika and JETRO Johannesburg Executive Director Mr. Shintaro Matoba. Common themes were speakers asking for further cooperation between both countries and for the building of bridges between the business communities. The forum called for this to be the first step in ongoing mutually beneficial partnerships.