THE partnership between Zambia and Japan is evolving beyond traditional aid into a long-term, collaborative development model based on mutual respect, technical cooperation, and sustainable growth, says the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
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Speaking during a media breakfast hosted by JICA and the Japanese Embassy ahead of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), JICA Zambia chief representative Tateyama Jotaro said Japan’s engagement in Zambia is not about “giving aid.”
He said it is about co-creating solutions that strengthen institutions, transfer knowledge, and build capacity for Zambia’s long-term transformation.
“We are not simply providing aid but building partnerships. We are not imposing solutions but co-creating them with Zambian expertise and leadership. We are not focused solely on immediate returns but invested in Zambia’s long-term transformation,” Jataro said.
“TICAD 9 represents Japan’s commitment to working alongside Zambia and other African nations as a cooperative partner, not a donor. We bring decades of experience, technical expertise, and financial resources, but we also bring human humility and recognition that sustainable development must be driven by African vision and leadership.”
TICAD 9, opens tomorrow with the Vice President Mutale Nalumango already in Yokohama, Japan to represent the country.
The event under this year’s theme “Co create innovative solutions with Africa” started in 1993 and is expected to spotlight the deepening Japan-Africa cooperation model.
Jataro said Zambia’s participation reflects its strong bilateral ties with Japan and its role as a key partner in the continent’s development agenda.
Japanese ambassador to Zambia Takeuchi Kazuyuki reiterated that Japan sees African countries as partners.
“Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has placed great importance on sincere engagement with Africa and on building partnerships through dialogue with the spirit of ownership and partnership.”
“The upcoming TICAD will serve as a vital platform to support Africa’s sustainable development in the post-COVID era and strengthen the continent’s effort to address global challenges such as climate change, health, and peace and stability,” said Takeuchi.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Etambuyu Gundersen said TICAD aligns with Zambia’s development priorities, particularly in industrialisation and private sector growth and will serve as a platform that the country can utilise to benefit from Japanese technology.
Kalemba August 19, 2025
