Japan Donates Advanced Equipment to Modernise Livingstone Museum
The Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has handed over state-of-the-art equipment to the Livingstone Museum, aimed at enhancing research, conservation, exhibition, and educational activities.
The official handover ceremony was attended by Honourable Rodney Sikumba, MP, Minister of Tourism, in Livingstone, Zambia’s tourism hub and home to the iconic Victoria Falls. The donation includes ICT devices such as computers, cameras, projectors, touchscreens, and public address systems, alongside humidifiers and dehumidifiers to maintain optimal environmental conditions for artefacts.
Minister Sikumba described the contribution as a transformative milestone for the National Museums Board. “This donation repositions the Livingstone Museum as a must-visit destination within Zambia’s tourism circuit. It enables us to digitise collections, create immersive exhibitions, and preserve fragile artefacts, from Stone Age tools to David Livingstone’s historic letters, for future generations,” he said.
The partnership between Zambia and Japan has a long history. Since 1996, JICA has trained 23 Zambian museum professionals in specialised museology courses and supported the rehabilitation of the Livingstone Museum (2004–2007), as well as the provision of conservation equipment in 2003.
Ambassador of Japan to Zambia, H.E. Mr Takeuchi Kazuyuki, highlighted that the donation reflects Japan’s commitment to cultural preservation and exchange.
“The Livingstone Museum plays a vital role in preserving Zambia’s cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. We hope this equipment will help expand the museum’s impact through exhibitions, educational programmes, and cultural exchange initiatives,” he said.
The three-year project, running from 2023 to 2025 at a total cost of approximately USD 660,000 under Japan’s Cultural Grant Assistance, is intended to modernise museum services, making them more interactive, digitised, and globally accessible.
Mr Keita Izumi, Acting Chief Representative of JICA Zambia, emphasised the significance of strengthening cultural institutions. “We are honoured to contribute to Zambia’s inclusive and sustainable development by enhancing the museum’s ability to educate, inspire and connect,” he said.
The Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Zambia’s heritage and promoting museums as both custodians of history and drivers of tourism growth.
