Zambia–Japan Cooperation Empowers Zambians with Skills and Technology
The Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Government of Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology and technical skills development, with a strong focus on the ICT and mining sectors.
This followed a courtesy call by Teruaki Mikami, Japan’s Ambassador to Zambia, on the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix C. Mutati, at the ministry headquarters in Lusaka.
During the meeting, Ambassador Mikami reiterated Japan’s continued support to Zambia through skills development and technology transfer, noting that a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021 has already enabled more than 1,000 Zambians to receive training and certification through programmes supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
He also highlighted the construction of an ultra-modern workshop at the Kitwe Vocational Training Centre, implemented with support from United Nations Industrial Development Organization and Hitachi. The facility is providing technical assistance aligned with Zambia’s National Development Plan and is expected to strengthen industrial and mining capacity.
In his remarks, Hon. Mutati expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding technical cooperation, particularly through JICA, commending its role in equipping Zambia’s youthful population with critical skills.
He acknowledged UNIDO and Hitachi for constructing the workshop and supplying equipment valued at approximately US$4 million.
The Minister said the facility would play a key role in supporting Zambia’s ambition to produce three million tonnes of copper annually by 2030, as outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan.
He noted that since the project began in 2021, 300 students have graduated, with all securing employment in the mining sector before completing their training.
Hon. Mutati also welcomed Japan’s support for STEM education through the construction of a specialised laboratory, describing it as central to a bottom-up approach to capacity building.
He further thanked the Japanese Government for its US$930,000 contribution towards a youth-focused electronic waste management project in Central Province.
The meeting concluded with discussions on potential collaboration in establishing a MinTech Hub to be hosted by Zambia on behalf of Africa, and with both sides reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between Zambia and Japan.
