Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 18th June, 2025.
Osaka, Japan.
Zambia is making a bold push to re-establish itself as a key player in premium agricultural exports by leveraging its participation at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. At the center of this renewed drive is Zambian-grown coffee, once a recognized commodity on the international stage and now poised for a strategic comeback.
Addressing the global audience at the Expo, Ministry of Agriculture Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Larry Mulomba, said Zambia’s presence in Osaka is not just about exhibition, it is about reinvigorating trade, attracting investment and repositioning agriculture as an engine of inclusive economic growth.
“Zambian coffee once had a place in Japan. Today, it’s absent. This platform is a springboard to reclaim that space and expand into high-value markets with a broader range of products including organic teas, processed foods, fruits and honey,” Mr. Mulomba stated.
With growing international demand for ethically sourced and traceable agricultural products, Zambia is banking on the quality and sustainability of its crops, especially coffee, to appeal to discerning markets across Asia. Zambian coffee, known for its unique flavor profile and organic cultivation methods, is being positioned as a flagship export.
The government’s participation at the Osaka World Expo forms part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s broader economic transformation agenda, which aims to scale up non-traditional exports, promote value addition and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Beyond marketing its agricultural products, Zambia is using the Expo to court Japanese investment in agricultural mechanization and agro-processing. Mr. Mulomba confirmed that discussions are underway with potential investors for the establishment of manufacturing and assembly plants for essential agricultural equipment such as tractors, irrigation systems, and coffee processing machines.
“We are looking at end-to-end development, from the field to the factory. Modernizing our value chains is critical to improving yields and meeting global standards,” he added.
Zambia is also seeking to deepen collaboration in research and development, climate-smart agriculture and technical capacity building, which are key to ensuring long-term resilience and productivity in the sector.
Strategically supported by the Zambian Embassy in Tokyo, the country’s delegation is holding bilateral talks under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework, highlighting Zambia’s role as a regional logistics and trade hub with access to broader African markets.
“This is not just about agriculture, it’s about connectivity, competitiveness and creating durable trade and investment ties. Zambia is ready to engage the world on new terms,” said Mr. Mulomba.
As global consumers increasingly demand sustainable and transparent food systems, Zambia is positioning itself as a reliable and responsible supplier. The coffee sector, in particular, is seen as a vehicle for rural economic revitalization and a driver of export earnings in the coming decade.
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The Agency.