VICE-President W.K.Mutale Nalumango has called for innovative, inclusive and transformative partnerships to accelerate Africa’s economic development.

Dr Nalumango reaffirmed Zambia’s strong commitment to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process.

Delivering a statement on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema during the Plenary Session on Economy at the ongoing TICAD-9 in Yokohama, Japan, Dr Nalumango underscored Zambia’s stance on inclusivity and regional cooperation as key drivers of Africa’s growth.

She outlined four priority pillars to guide Africa’s collective efforts with partners, which include economic transformation.

The Vice-President said Africa must transition from raw material exports to value addition through agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, industrialisation and manufacturing.

She stressed the importance of infrastructure development and the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock intra-African trade and boost regional integration.

On equitable and fair global financial architecture, Dr Nalumango underscored the need for a reformed financial system that ensures fair access to resources, meaningful debt relief and greater representation of developing countries in global decision-making processes.

On investment in human capital, the Vice-President called for increased investment in education, health, innovation and entrepreneurship to harness Africa’s youthful population.

She emphasised inclusivity, especially empowering women, youth and persons with disabilities, as critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

On climate change, Dr Nalumango urged stronger international support for climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, green financing and a just energy transition that enables Africa to adopt clean technologies without stifling growth.

“Zambia remains committed to advancing the TICAD partnership as a platform for co-creating innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” Dr Nalumango said.

She stressed that Zambia will continue working with Japan and other TICAD partners to accelerate sustainable development, regional trade and shared prosperity for Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Tokyo, Faith Chilube, and Press Aide at the Office of the Vice-President, Njenje Chizu.

(Mwebantu, Friday, 22nd August, 2025)