Online Reporter
Today we are coming to you live from Japan, where President Mnangagwa is expected to headline Zimbabwe’s National Day at the World Expo 2025 Osaka.
This significant event showcases Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and vast investment opportunities to a global audience.
The national day will be preceded by a business forum today (Monday), with the President expected to lead a high-level investment conference aimed at promoting Zimbabwe’s vast opportunities to Japanese investors and other international business delegations.
Stay tuned as we bring you updates on the President’s engagements, including meetings with the Zimbabwean community in Japan and the unveiling of various exhibitions at the Zimbabwean pavilion.
Japan Osaka Expo 2025: A global showcase of innovation and culture
The World Expo 2025, held in Osaka, Japan, is a grand international event that opened on April 13 and will run until October 13, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
Situated on Yumeshima, an artificial island on Osaka’s waterfront, the Expo is a vibrant platform where over 160 countries, regions, and organisations present their visions for the future under the theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
This theme is explored through three sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives, reflecting a global commitment to sustainable and inclusive progress.
The Expo also features cultural showcases from various countries, including Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, is an immersive experience that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and natural beauty. Located in the Commons B section, the pavilion has become a favourite among visitors, particularly the Japanese, who are drawn to the authenticity of Zimbabwe’s cultural showcase
Halfway through its run, the Osaka Expo celebrated welcoming its 10 millionth visitor, a significant milestone on the way to the expected 28 million attendees.
The event is not only a showcase of futuristic technology and cultural heritage but also a major economic and social gathering that fosters international cooperation and innovation.
Visitors at the Expo experience a blend of immersive digital displays, interactive sessions, and cultural performances, making it a dynamic space for learning and exchange.
The event’s scale is underscored by the massive 2-kilometre-long raised wooden platform encircling the pavilions, noted as the largest wooden structure in the world.
The Osaka Expo 2025 stands as a remarkable global event that combines cutting-edge technology, cultural celebration, and a forward-looking vision for society.
Despite some logistical hurdles, it continues to inspire millions with its message of designing a better future for all, making it a landmark occasion in the world of international exhibitions.
Ministers tour Zim pavilion
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbara Rwodzi, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Utete Wushe, visited Zimbabwe’s pavilion at the Expo.
Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi says Zimbabwe’s pavilion is receiving thousands of visitors every day
Zimbabwe captures global attention at Expo 2025 Osaka
THE Zimbabwe Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan has become a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors daily, especially on weekends.
The visitors have expressed interest in experiencing the country’s unique tourism offerings.
A major crowd-puller has been the Virtual Reality installations, which transport guests to the heart of Zimbabwe’s majestic landscapes and cultural heritage.
During her recent tour of the Pavilion, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, interacted with visitors and distributed promotional materials with the vibrant National Fabric emerging as a clear favourite.
The national fabric, which beautifully showcases Zimbabwean identity, is the brainchild of Tourism Patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Minister Rwodzi said Zimbabwe is poised for a “significant increase in tourist arrivals, driven by the enthusiasm, engagement and high volume of inquiries generated at the Expo”.
She said the interest sparked at the ongoing global event is “a strong indication that more travellers are ready to “experience Zimbabwe”.
More visitors are expected this week, as President Mnangagwa is expected to lead the Zimbabwe National Day celebrations on Wednesday.
A number of deals are expected to be sealed this week between Japan and Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa arrives in Japan
President Mnangagwa has arrived in Japan where he will headline Zimbabwe’s National Day at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai on Wednesday.
The President will also lead a high profile business forum on Tuesday, which is aimed at attracting investments across various sectors, including mining and tourism.
President Mnangagwa was received at the Kansai International Airport by Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Shinichi Yamaka, and the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Japan, Ambassador Stewart Nyatyoko.
Zimbabwe is part of the 158 countries participating at the Expo.
The Expo commenced on April 13 and runs up to October 13, 2025.
President hosts business forum
President Mnangagwa will today host a Business Forum in Osaka, Japan, aimed at promoting Zimbabwe’s vast investment opportunities to Japanese investors and other international business delegations.
The Zimbabwe Business Forum is being held on the sidelines of the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Zimbabwe’s theme for the Expo is “Beyond the Limits” and it resonates with the Expo’s sub- theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
The 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, which started on April 13 and ends on October 13, 2025, is hosting 158 countries and regions, as well as seven international organisations.
The Zimbabwe business delegation is set to present economic investment opportunities, particularly in tourism and mining.
200 delegates converge to discuss Zimbabwe’s opportunities
About 200 delegates, mainly from Japan and Zimbabwe, will deliberate on various investment opportunities in the mining, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sectors.
Already, Zimbabwe and Japan have strong diplomatic and economic relations which span across trade, infrastructure, agriculture and education sectors.
As of 2024, imports from Japan reached around US$60 million, which is the highest in the past 25 years.
Imported products were mainly vehicles and machinery.
During the same period, exports to Japan amounted to about US$20 million with main products being tobacco, cotton, and mineral resources such as platinum, ferrochrome and manganese.
Japan offers support across sectors
Japan recently provided US$17.4 million for the second phase of the North-South Corridor road rehabilitation project between Makuti and Chirundu, a key trade route that connects Zimbabwe to regional markets.
In the agriculture sector, Japan has played a pivotal role in supporting Zimbabwe’s smallholder irrigation projects, especially the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Promotion (SHEP) Market-Oriented Agriculture initiative, which facilitated Zimbabwe’s first-ever sesame seed exports to Japan.
Japan is also working on the expansion of the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) rice production in Zimbabwe and currently there are 28 NERICA rice producing sites in several provinces across the country.
In the education sector, the Japanese government and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have provided scholarships for scores of Zimbabwean students to study in the Asian country.
Japan has also been contributing to the growth of the education sector through the construction of school buildings and teacher accommodation in rural areas through Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects and Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects’ funds.
In the tourism sector, Japan supports community-based tourism projects in Bulawayo, Chesvingo (Masvingo), Gairezi (Nyanga) and Tengenenge (Guruve), blending cultural heritage with economic empowerment.
President arrives at business forum
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the venue that is hosting the Zimbabwe Business Forum.
He is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira and Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Pavillion at the Expo, Mr Allan Mujuru.
Zim Ambassador to Japan highlights rich cultural heritage
In his welcome remarks, Zimbabwe Ambassador to Japan, Mr Stewart Nyatyoko said Zimbabwe’s participation is significant as it showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage and economic developments.
He said Zimbabwe’s theme at the Expo “Beyond the limits”, speaks to the country ‘s economic aspirations of pushing beyond limits.
He also said the Zimbabwe Pavilion at the Expo is a testament of the country’s creativity and innovation.
The Zimbabwe Pavilion’s vistors range between between 3000 and 7000 daily.
Zim creates conducive investment environment
Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) CEO, Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo says Zimbabwe is investing in systems that encourage transparency and accountability in all sectors of the economy.
He said frameworks are being put in place to ensure a conducive investment environment.
Tourism Minister sells Destination Zimbabwe
In her presentation, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said in 2024, the sector contributed 15 percent of the country’s GDP.
She invited the Japanese to invest in the sector.
Minister Rwodzi also spoke about investment opportunities in tourism destination areas such as Victoria Falls, Nyanga and Matopos, among other place.s
In 2024, the country saw 1,6 million international visitors and 13 million domestic visiting various resort destinations across the country.
Zimbabwe is open for business: President
President Mnangagwa takes to the podium to address the delegates.
He says such forums are a testament to Zimbabwe’s dedication to partnerships that promote growth and prosperity.
The President also discusses the relations between Zimbabwe and Japan, which he says date back to 1980.
President Mnangagwa highlights that Zimbabwe is open for business and has a conducive environment for investment.
“I have come with a clear and confident message. Zimbabwe is open for business – open to investment, trade, innovation and partnerships that are focused on sustainable growth and mutual benefit,” he said.
“Concerted efforts must be made to improve the current trade relations between Zimbabwe and Japan so that they match the cordial political relationship that exists between our two countries.”
President Mnangagwa also said Zimbabwe is not only a viable investment destination but a suitable and safe country to live in.
The President ends his speech by saying the Zimbabwean Government is ready to listen and address bottlenecks in the investment process.
Three MoUs signed between Zim and Japan
President Mnangagwa witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in mining, commerce and industry, as well as tourism, between Zimbabwe and a Japanese business delegation here at the Zimbabwe Business Forum.
Mr Masashi Nomoto, Toyota Representative speaks on the MoU signed with the Ministry of Industry.
Industry and Commerce Secretary, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe speaks about the importance of the MoU he signed.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister, hon Barbara Rwodzi speaks after signing MoU with the Japan Tourism Agency.
Japanese interest in Zimbabwe’s economic sectors grows
Japan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Yamanaka, urged for market-oriented agriculture, adding that sesame and coffee have made an impression on the Japanese market.
Tourism has attracted 10 000 Japanese visitors to Victoria Falls, with the hope that Zimbabwe can get back to pre-COVID-19 numbers of above 30 000 visitors.
He said the Japanese have a huge interest in Zimbabwe’s mining products.
JAICA, the Japanese development arm, is active in supporting infrastructure development.
Also in attendance at the Zimbabwe-Japan Business Forum are the Mayors of Harare and Bulawayo.
President headlines National Day
President Mnangagwa will today headline the Zimbabwe National day at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai here in Japan.
Each country participating at the Expo is allocated a National Day to showcase its culture to visitors.
Zimbabwe is the only country holding a National Day today.
Zim joins world giants at Expo
Zimbabwe is among 158 countries and seven international organisations participating in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, which runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
Under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 aims to foster international collaboration, innovation and cultural exchange.
The World Expo is a global event held every five years to showcase innovations and ideas that tackle some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
President arrives for National Day
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Pavilion where the celebrations are being held.
He is accompanied by senior Government officials, including Foreigm Affairs and International Affairs Minister, Professor Amom Murwira and Chief Secrectary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, among others.
President invites foreign investors to Zimbabwe
President Mnangagwa has now taken to the podium to give his key note address.
He begins by thanking the Japanese Government for the hospitality since his arrival on Monday.
He also applauded the Japanese Government for its assistance in various developmental projects in Zimbabwe.
He says Zimbabwe is working on attaining Vision 2030.
President Mnangagwa invites Japanese and global investors to Zimbabwe.
“The message is clear – Zimbabwe is open for trade, investment and business,” he says.
He also invites them to come and enjoy Zimbabwe’s various tourists attraction destinations such as Victoria Falls
Cultural heritage on showcase in Japan
A Zimbabwean traditional dance group is now showcasing some of its dances.
The dances include Mhande, Mbende, Jerusalema and Amabhiza, among others.
Pavillions tour begin
President Mnangagwa will now begin tour of Pavillions.
He will begin the Japanese Pavillion and then proceed to the Zimbabwean Pavillion.
