Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is set to make a strong presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, a global business and trade event that kicks off in Japan next month. With an estimated 28 million visitors expected over the six-months period running from April 13 to October 13, the Government is keen on leveraging this platform to expand its footprint in the Japanese market, particularly in tourism and trade.
As part of preparations, the Government engaged key stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality industry this Tuesday to discuss strategies for tapping into the lucrative Japanese travel market.
Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe President, Clive Chinwada, emphasized the significance of Expo 2025 in attracting more Japanese tourists to the country.
“Japan is a key travel market that we believe will boost our efforts to grow the tourism industry. Japanese visitors have long admired the majestic Victoria Falls, and we are confident that our participation at the Expo will bring substantial value to the sector,” he said.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, highlighted that Zimbabwe’s participation aligns with its economic diplomacy agenda, which seeks to reinforce business ties and promote investment opportunities.
“The Expo Osaka 2025 perfectly aligns with the Government’s commitment to economic diplomacy, as it provides a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s vast business opportunities and strengthen international trade relations,” Ambassador Chimbindi said.
Head of Mission for the Japanese Embassy in Zimbabwe, Hiroyuki Kumagai, also expressed optimism about the Expo serving as a catalyst for deeper economic engagement between the two nations.
“Japan and Zimbabwe share longstanding diplomatic ties, and this event presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase its potential while also learning from Japan’s innovations and expertise,” said Kumagai.
With just over a month before the event begins, Expo 2025 Osaka Commissioner General Allan Majuruassured that Zimbabwe is well-prepared for its participation.
“We are currently focused on finalizing content for our exhibition, ensuring that we maximize our presence at the Expo. Our team is already on the ground in Japan, making final arrangements to ensure a successful showcase,” Majuru stated.
Zimbabwe will participate under the theme ‘Beyond Limits,’ reflecting the country’s resilience and commitment to achieving its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
A highlight of Zimbabwe’s preparations was the recognition of students from Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), who won a competition to design the Zimbabwe Pavilion Website and web application for Expo 2025. Their achievement underscores the role of innovation and youth involvement in the country’s global engagements.
With its strong delegation and strategic focus, Zimbabwe aims to use Expo 2025 Osaka as a springboard for boosting tourism, attracting investment, and expanding trade partnerships in Japan and beyond.
