Online Reporter
Joshua Muswere
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavunga, has invited Japanese businesses to seize opportunities in Zimbabwe, highlighting the nation’s readiness to build strong, equal partnerships anchored on innovation and shared prosperity.
Speaking at the Osaka Africa Business Forum in Japan, held under the theme “Carving a Shared Future: Africa and Japan as Equal Partners,” Deputy Minister Mavunga emphasized that Zimbabwe is open for business and eager to collaborate with Japan in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and mineral beneficiation.
“Zimbabwe is not just awake; we are ambitious. We are a nation rich in lithium, platinum, diamonds, and most importantly, human capital. Japan brings technology and discipline, while we bring resilience and innovation. Together, we can co-create a prosperous future,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavunga stressed the need to move beyond a donor-recipient relationship towards partnerships based on mutual respect, shared value, and economic independence. He cited the potential for Japanese precision manufacturing (Monozukuri) to merge with Zimbabwe’s philosophy of Ubuntu, creating industries that benefit both nations.
He also urged Japan to view investment in Zimbabwe as a strategic opportunity.
Some of the opportunities highlighted by the Deputy Minister include; processing lithium locally to power Japan’s electric vehicle industry, building infrastructure that connects farms, homes, and markets and tapping into renewable energy and agriculture through Zimbabwe’s vast sunshine and fertile lands.
