UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, Embassy of Japan in Zambia, and Embassy of Zambia in Japan organized the “Zambia Investment Webinar” on Thursday 25 July 2024. The webinar was attended by 204 participants interested in business and investment opportunities in Zambia.
The webinar was opened by remarks from H.E. Mr. Kazuyuki Takeuchi, Ambassador of Japan to Zambia and H.E. Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Japan. High expectations for the seminar were expressed in light of the webinar being held during the commemorative 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Zambia and Japan. Both ambassadors expressed hopes for increased partnerships and networking opportunities between the private sectors of Zambia and Japan, in order for the actualization of future investments in Zambia.
In his keynote speech, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, outlined the latest industrial policies and strategies. He highlighted the expanding mineral sector and urged private investments in the energy sector, noting the energy deficit Zambia is currently experiencing. Minister Mulenga emphasized the fact that Japan remains a strategic bilateral cooperating partner for Zambia.
From Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Director General Albert Halwampa spoke about the latest investment outlook and opportunities in Zambia. He explained that Zambia’s central location allows access to a vast market and the existence of multiple corridors makes Zambia a regional logistics hub, adding that agriculture, energy, mining sectors are sectors with potential for investment.
As examples of investments in Zambia by Japanese companies, Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and UNIDO’s Public-Private Development Partnerships (PPDPs) were introduced. Mr. Nobuhiko Saito, Managing Director of Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia, engaged in sales and service of mining and construction equipment as well as remanufactured parts business in Zambia, shared his impressions of Zambia, including business challenges and climate risk. Mr. Nozomu Kobayashi, Senior General Manager of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. spoke about the advantages of doing business in Zambia, including their new business that crosses small and micro farmers with digital technology, which they are collaborating with a global agricultural company, ETG Group. Ms. Chie Matsumoto, Manager of UNIDO’s Project for Promoting Youth Employment through Construction Equipment Operating Skills Training in Zambia, introduced UNIDO’s partnership projects in Zambia including Japan-Hitachi Construction Machinery Project and Sweden-Volvo Group Project.
During the Q&A session, questions were asked about Zambia’s future electricity prospects and the impact of Zambia’s financial difficulties on the industrial and private sectors.
Ms. Tokushige introduced JICA’s upcoming Business Study Tour in Zambia focusing on Zambia’s food processing industry, which include visits to agricultural production sites and local retail stores.
The webinar was concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Fumio Adachi, Head of UNIDO ITPO Tokyo.
Seminar Outline
| Date: | Thursday, 25 July 2024 |
| Time: | 16:00-17:30 (JST) / 9:00-10:30 (Zambia time) |
| Venue: | Online (Zoom) |
| Organizers: |
UNIDO ITPO Tokyo Embassy of Japan in Zambia Embassy of Zambia in Japan |
| Supporter: | JICA Zambia |
| Language: | Japanese – English (Simultaneous interpretation) |
Programme
| 16:00/9:00 |
Opening Remarks H.E. Mr. Kazuyuki Takeuchi, Ambassador of Japan to Zambia H.E. Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Japan |
| 16:10/9:10 |
Keynote presentation: Zambia’s Industrialization Strategy Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry |
| 16:20/9:20 |
Presentation: Investing in Zambia Mr. Albert Halwampa, Director General, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) |
| 16:40/9:40 |
Private Sector Mr. Nobuhiko Saito, Managing Director of Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia Co.,Ltd. |
| 16:55/9:55 | New Business of Japanese Company in Zambia: introduction of ETG and “farmers 360° link” |
| |
Mr. Nozomu Kobayashi, Senior General Manager, New Business Development, ETG (Mitsui & Co., Ltd.) |
| 17:10/10:10 |
UNIDO support: Public-Private Development Partnerships (PPDPs) Ms. Chie Matsumoto, Manager of UNIDO’s Project for Promoting Youth Employment through Construction Equipment Operating Skills Training in Zambia |
| 17:15/10:15 |
Q&A Announcement of JICA’s Business Study Tour in Zambia |
| 17:25/10:25 |
Closing Remarks Ms. Fumio Adachi, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo |
| 17:30/10:30 | End |
Inquiries
Ms. Imazu/ Ms. Horiguchi, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo
Email: EventTokyo@unido.org