Zambia Brews Coffee Comeback Strategy at 2025 Osaka World Expo
Zambia is leveraging the 2025 World Expo in Osaka as a springboard to boost agricultural export earnings, with a renewed push to reintroduce its premium coffee and other high-value products into the Japanese and global markets.
Speaking at the Expo, Mr. Larry Mulomba, Director of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Agriculture, said Zambia aims to position agriculture as a key pillar of economic diversification and foreign exchange generation.
“Zambian coffee once had a place in Japan, but today it’s missing. This Expo gives us a renewed opportunity to rebuild that presence and go beyond — into teas, processed foods, and fruits,” he said.
Zambian coffee, prized for its rich flavor and organic cultivation, is being highlighted as a flagship product with strong appeal in premium niche markets across Asia. The initiative also targets exports of honey, crafts, gemstones, fruits, and teas.
The strategy supports President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic transformation agenda, which prioritizes value addition, rural income growth, and expansion of non-traditional exports.
Zambia is also courting Japanese investment in agricultural mechanization and agro-processing — including tractors, irrigation systems, and coffee processing facilities.
Mr. Mulomba said strengthening the agricultural value chain is key to increasing yields and meeting international standards. He emphasized Zambia’s commitment to partnerships in research, climate-smart farming, and technical training to further boost sector productivity.
Bilateral engagements through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework are underway, positioning Zambia as a regional trade hub with access to Southern and Central African markets.
“This Expo is more than a showcase. It’s about building long-term trade and investment ties. Zambia is open for business, and our agriculture sector is ready to compete globally,” Mr. Mulomba added.
