Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu in Osaka, Japan
VICE President Kembo Mohadi has concluded a successful working visit to Osaka, Japan, where he led Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, held several high-level engagements, and explored new opportunities for co-operation in health, technology, housing and urban development.
VP Mohadi departed Japan yesterday, accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Japan, Stewart Nyakotyo, Permanent Secretary in his office, Dr Benson Dube; Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha; Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Musa Ncube; and other senior Government officials.
During his tour, the Vice President visited the Zimbabwe Pavilion, where he commended the country’s exhibition for showcasing local innovation, industrial capacity, and technological advancement on the global stage.
“Regardless of the pavilion’s size, what Zimbabwe embodies in terms of industry, agriculture, mining and innovation is well displayed here,” said VP Mohadi.
The Zimbabwe Pavilion, which attracts around 8 000 visitors daily, has become one of the most popular African exhibits, highlighting the country’s investment opportunities, tourism attractions and rich cultural heritage.
VP Mohadi also toured the Nakashima Qross Medical Complex, a world-renowned facility in regenerative medicine, where he discussed potential collaboration in medical training and innovation. The facility offered scholarships to Zimbabwean students studying science-related disciplines — an opportunity the Vice President said would help strengthen Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
He further visited Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan’s largest public university, where he interacted with Zimbabwean students and encouraged them to apply their knowledge towards national development.
Drawing inspiration from Japan’s urban design, VP Mohadi said Zimbabwe must adopt vertical construction and densification to reduce land use pressures and cut infrastructure costs.
“We have a programme of densification back home. We need to shift from horizontal expansion to vertical development because constructing sewer lines over long distances is costly. When we cluster our populations, we save resources,” he said.
The Vice President said the Expo provided Zimbabwe with a platform to market its potential, exchange ideas, and learn from global leaders in technology, innovation and sustainability.
“The world has become a global village, and we cannot afford to remain behind. We must position Zimbabwe as part of that global village,” said VP Mohadi.
He also emphasised tourism and cultural exchange as key drivers of economic growth, noting that such international platforms offer “low-hanging fruit” for promoting Zimbabwe’s image abroad.
VP Mohadi and his delegation also met with Saudi Arabian officials, who are preparing to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh. Zimbabwe was officially invited to participate in the next global showcase.
Expo 2025 Osaka, running under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, brings together representatives from more than 150 countries to share innovations in science, culture and sustainable development. The event, which concludes on October 13, marks Japan’s second time hosting the global fair after its debut in 1970.
Zimbabwe’s participation aligns with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy through technology, innovation, and international co-operation.
The Expo also serves as a platform for Zimbabwe to attract investment, promote tourism and strengthen bilateral relations with global partners, particularly in Asia.
— @NyembeziMu
