TODAY, on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of Zambia’s independence, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the people of Zambia.

Over the nearly six decades since Zambia’s independence, Japan and Zambia have built and maintained a warm and cordial bilateral relationship. Japan, as one of the countries which achieved significant development in fairly short period, has dedicatedly contributed to Zambia’s growth in critical areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy, education and health, based upon our own experience.

After the Cold War, when developed countries’ assistance to Africa began to wane, Japan strongly advocated for Africa and launched in 1993 a platform of international dialogue to promote African development, known as the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). TICAD was a pioneer of such international forums on Africa, and was guided by the twofold philosophy of “respecting African ownership” and “promoting international partnership”. This year, as TICAD marks its 30^th anniversary, its guiding principles have gained wide support among African countries and have taken root in the international community.

After 30 years, with even stronger conviction, Japan renews our commitment to partnership with Zambia, and to the peace and security of the African continent and the world.

Our commitment was demonstrated in August of this TICAD anniversary year, in the form of a historical visit to Zambia by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. NISHIMURA Yasutoshi. This was Japan’s first ministerial visit to Zambia in 39 years, and the first ever visit by Japan’s Minister of economy. A Japanese business mission accompanied the delegation in order to strengthen the economic partnership between our two nations. During their visit, the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support Zambia’s mining sector by using Japanese satellite technology for mineral exploration. This, again, showcases Japan’s commitment to strengthening our economic partnership with Zambia.

One of the underlying principles of TICAD is Human Security, in other words, strengthening the capacity of each individual and encouraging their proactive contribution to society and the country. On this topic, I would like to mention one particular success story, the partnership between Japan and the University of Zambia (UNZA). Japan supported the establishment of the School of Veterinary Medicine at UNZA through Official Development Assistance in 1986. Japan and Japanese partners, notably Hokkaido University and JICA, cemented our partnership with the School by dispatching more than 200 Japanese experts, researchers and volunteers to date, not only to help bolster the school’s academic capacity but also to promote academic exchange. We have since welcomed many students from Zambia to study in Japan. Through these exchanges, the School of Veterinary Medicine at UNZA has become the top research and education centre in Africa. Now the School is led by Zambian professors and researchers who studied in Japan, with the mission of strengthening the livestock industry which is a key sector of Zambia’s economy.

It is a well-known fact that Zambia has tremendous assets below the ground in the form of minerals and other natural resources, but I believe that Zambia’s most precious treasure lies above the ground. I am referring to the strength, the drive, and the passion in the hearts of the Zambian people. Since I arrived in Zambia last December, I have been repeatedly moved by the kindness, compassion, and openness I have encountered from the people of Zambia.

The guiding mission of TICAD and Japan’s development cooperation is to support the development of Africa by “the Hands of Africans”. I truly believe that the key to achieving Zambia’s true potential lies in the hands of its people who are building the future of this great nation. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to represent Japan in supporting Zambia’s development and I look forward to working together with the many bright minds in this country to build a bright future.

In 2024, the two countries will celebrate 60 years of bilateral cooperation, and we will organise various commemorative events to mark the Diamond Jubilee. I hope you will join us for the celebration and further strengthen our ties in all aspects!

(TAKEUCHI Kazuyuki, Ambassador of Japan)

UNITED Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed a Zambian, Mr. Dennis Zulu, as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jamaica.

Mr Zulu will also be responsible for coordinating UN work in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos and Cayman Islands.

“I feel privileged and deeply honoured to be appointed as the Resident Coordinator for the United Nations in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos. This opportunity to serve and contribute to the important work of the UN is one that I am grateful for,” Mr. Zulu said.

He added that: “Working with the United Nations Country team, the Governments and a diverse group of stakeholders, I am committed to dedicating my utmost efforts towards advancing the UN agenda and that of its Member States. By fostering collaboration, fostering meaningful partnerships, and leveraging resources, my aim is to strengthen the UN’s impact in addressing the development challenges within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)”.

Mr. Zulu has more than 20 years of experience in international development, the private sector and academia.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Zulu served as the Director of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean.

He also served as UN Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, and Curacao from March 2022 to June 2023, among other appointments.

In recognizing this appointment, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Chola Milambo, highlighted the importance of this development to the efforts by the New Dawn Government to see better representation of Zambians in the management structures in multilateral institutions, including the United Nations.

This is according to a statement issued issued by Namatama Njekwa, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations, New York.

GOVERNMENT has implored Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) member states involved in renegotiating the initiative to reaffirm unwavering support.

This is because BSGI has played a pivotal role in averting fluctuations in global food prices, thereby ensuring the stability of domestic food supplies in numerous countries, which also includes Zambia.

BSGI has emerged as a linchpin in the global grain market, diligently combatting food insecurity across the globe.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo says renewal of BSGI cannot be overstated.

He said this is because it bears immense significance, as it encompasses Ukraine’s agricultural potential and represents our collective commitment to fostering a resilient and equitable global food system.

“We call on all parties involved in renegotiating the BSGI to reaffirm their unwavering support for the initiative, as we collectively forge a path toward sustained progress in addressing the pressing challenges of food insecurity and ensuring that vulnerable nations have access to essential sustenance,” he said.

Mr Kakubo said the efficacy of the BSGI is evidenced in the recent procurement of 725,000 metric tonnes of wheat by the World Food Programme.

He noted that although, according to the United Nations data for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, only about three percent of the shipments of Ukrainian grain have ended up in Africa.

“This acquisition has to some extent sustained some level of critical humanitarian operations in countries like Ethiopia, The Sudan, and the Horn of Africa. Despite this, the BSGI has played a pivotal role in averting fluctuations in global food prices, thereby ensuring the stability of domestic food supplies in numerous countries, and thus protecting domestic supply in countries like Zambia,” he said.

Mr Kakubo said however, that with the Russian Federation’s recent decision not to renew the BSGI agreement due to disputes over its past implementation, there are pressing concerns surrounding the upcoming Ukrainian harvest and the critical requirement to boost tonnage volume for Africa.

He added that failure to renew the free operation of the BSGI will have profound consequences, potentially resulting in Ukraine’s inability to export approximately 24 million metric tonnes.

“While, arguably, the beneficiaries of the BSGI could find suppliers outside the Black Sea region, this alternative will be fraught with higher costs and extended transit times, which would, in turn, further exacerbate delays in reaching the Global South. There is no question that Ukraine’s Black Sea ports serve as a lifeline for nations in need, underscoring the indispensable role of the BSGI in facilitating efficient and timely distribution of vital food resources,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Thursday,  20th July, 2023)