LUSAKA – The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in youth development, sport and the creative sector following a series of high-level courtesy calls on the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Hon. Elvis C. Nkandu, MP, by ambassadors from Japan, Algeria and Türkiye.
During a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Zambia His Excellency Mr. Mikami Akiteru, both parties emphasized the long-standing relations between Zambia and Japan, with a shared commitment to expanding collaboration across arts, sport and youth empowerment programmes.
Hon. Nkandu expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support to Zambia, noting that the Asian nation has been a reliable partner in various sectors, including the creative industry. He highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer and learning from Japan’s development trajectory, particularly in areas such as sports technology and innovation.
The Minister further pointed to opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure development and sport science, acknowledging Japan’s global advancement in these fields. He said Zambia stands to benefit from exchange programmes that would enhance local expertise.
In the arts sector, government is exploring partnerships around the establishment and enhancement of facilities such as an arts gallery in Livingstone, while also inviting Japanese participation in this year’s Creative Business Summit. Hon. Nkandu stressed that such cultural exchanges are critical in promoting Zambia’s creative economy.
Ambassador Mikami reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Zambia, noting that his predecessor had laid a solid foundation for cooperation with the Ministry. He said Japan has continued to support local initiatives, including Judo tournaments and arts festivals, and is keen to deepen engagement in these areas.
“I may not be a career diplomat, but I come with government experience and a strong determination to build on the already warm relations between our two countries,” he said, adding that this is his first posting on the African continent.
Meanwhile, Algerian Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Tewfik Mahi, underscored the importance of structured cooperation through regular political consultations and increased participation in trade and cultural exchanges.
He noted that about 20 Zambian companies recently participated in a trade fair in Algeria and encouraged more local businesses to take advantage of such platforms. Ambassador Mahi added that Algeria has dedicated ministries for youth, sport and culture, each running programmes aligned to national development.
Hon. Nkandu said Zambia and Algeria share common aspirations and stressed the need to leverage mutual strengths through enhanced cooperation.
“No man is an island. It is important that we exchange ideas and experiences as we work towards developing our respective countries,” he said.
The Minister also echoed government’s broader agenda of promoting intra-African trade, in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for stronger economic ties within the continent.
In a separate engagement, Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Huseyin Barbaros Dicle, highlighted the existing framework for cooperation between the two countries, citing a 2018 agreement that provides a basis for collaboration in sport and other sectors.
Ambassador Dicle emphasized Türkiye’s readiness to support Zambia in capacity building initiatives, particularly targeting youth and the creative industries. He noted that youth development remains a priority area for both countries, adding that Türkiye is interested in sharing best practices, including experiences around youth commemorations.
He further pointed to Türkiye’s strength in infrastructure development, especially in construction, as an area that could support Zambia’s development agenda.
Hon. Nkandu welcomed the continued engagement, stating that the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding provides a clear pathway for implementing joint programmes. He said Zambia is particularly interested in learning from Türkiye’s youth development models and enhancing collaboration in sport, arts and skills development.
The minister also acknowledged the growing economic linkages between the two countries, including increased trade and improved connectivity following the introduction of direct flights between Lusaka and Türkiye.
He noted that the presence of a vibrant Turkish community in Zambia further strengthens people-to-people relations, while calling for support towards upgrading youth resource centres across the country to enhance access to technology and skills development.
Across all three engagements, government reiterated its commitment to leveraging international partnerships to drive growth in youth empowerment, sports excellence and the creative economy, positioning the sectors as key pillars of national development.
