Zambian SMEs Reap Big in Japan Under JICA Joint Empowerment Programme
Five Zambian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from international exposure, equipment support, and potential technology transfer under the Joint Empowerment Programme (JEP), a flagship initiative between the Zambian Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Zambian delegation, led by Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary Subeta Mutelo, is in Japan from May 9 to 17, 2025, for a business-focused trip designed to strengthen SME growth through global partnerships and value addition.
Selected from a competitive pool of 512 applicants during a national pitch contest held in February, the five outstanding enterprises—two from Lusaka, two from the Copperbelt, and one from Eastern Province—each received USD 20,000 in equipment support and the opportunity to explore business prospects in Japan.
During a courtesy visit to Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, Mrs. Mutelo praised the Zambian Embassy in Tokyo for its continued support of Zambia’s economic diplomacy goals.
She noted that the Joint Empowerment Programme is fostering twinning arrangements between Zambian and Japanese SMEs, enabling crucial technology transfer and product innovation. “JEP is deepening SME capacity building in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of creating a value-driven and export-oriented economy,” said Mrs. Mutelo.
She further revealed that in 2024, JEP engaged 30 SMEs across Zambia through the application of the Kaizen methodology—a Japanese approach to continuous improvement—helping them improve operational efficiency. The five enterprises visiting Japan are part of that cohort and are now poised to expand through international collaboration.
The JEP programme focuses on key sub-sectors including food processing, the circular economy, wood products, metal fabrication, light engineering, textiles, and leather goods. With a budget of ZMW 7.5 million, the initiative is primarily funded by JICA (ZMW 7 million) with the Ministry contributing ZMW 500,000.
Ambassador Mulimbika lauded the initiative as “a strong testament to the Government’s commitment to SME development,” adding that the visiting Zambian entrepreneurs represent not just employers but also future exporters and innovators.
“These SMEs will gain valuable insights into Japan’s advanced manufacturing systems and entrepreneurial culture. Their exposure here will improve their global competitiveness and unlock new market opportunities,” the Ambassador said.
He also highlighted Japan’s increasing interest in working with Zambian enterprises and affirmed that the Embassy will continue linking local SMEs to trade promotion platforms and international partnerships.
