President Hichilema Commits to Strengthening Partnership with JICA for Economic Development
President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed His Excellency Dr. Tanaka Akihito, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and his delegation at State House, marking a milestone in Zambia’s enduring partnership with JICA.
The meeting underscored the fruitful sixty-year relationship between Zambia and JICA, characterized by collaborative efforts to advance economic development across various sectors.
President Hichilema hailed JICA’s pivotal role in promoting international cooperation and development aid, citing numerous impactful projects spanning agriculture, healthcare, education, rural development, and capacity building.
Drawing inspiration from Japan’s culture of action-oriented progress, President Hichilema expressed Zambia’s determination to emulate this ethos in driving economic growth and development.
He emphasized the need for tangible outcomes and practical solutions to address the nation’s pressing challenges.
Looking ahead, President Hichilema outlined Zambia’s aspirations to deepen its partnership with JICA, particularly in harnessing Japanese expertise and technology to tackle critical issues such as water harvesting, irrigation, and alternative energy.
With Zambia grappling with the effects of El Niño-induced drought, the President highlighted the importance of leveraging JICA’s resources and innovations to mitigate the impact on agricultural productivity and energy security.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to fostering closer collaboration for the mutual benefit of Zambia and Japan.
President Hichilema expressed gratitude for JICA’s unwavering support and looked forward to further strengthening the ties between the two nations to realize shared development goals.
