President Mnangagwa Leads Zimbabwe’s Diplomatic Mission to Japan for Expo 2025 and Trade Talks

His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa In Osaka(image source)

His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has embarked on a high-profile diplomatic mission to Japan, underscoring Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting economic growth. The visit, scheduled from July 14 to 18, 2025, includes Zimbabwe’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka and a Japan-Zimbabwe Business Forum designed to unlock trade and investment opportunities. During President Mnangagwa’s absence, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been appointed as acting president.

Expo 2025 and Zimbabwe National Day

At the centre of the visit is Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where President Mnangagwa will lead Zimbabwe’s National Day event on July 16. Under the Expo’s global theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, Zimbabwe’s participation showcases its cultural heritage, economic ambitions, and innovation potential.

“We are very excited and grateful that His Excellency has found it necessary to travel all the way to Japan to spearhead our national efforts to showcase the country’s potential in tourism, economy, and innovation,” said Ambassador Steward Nyakotyo, Zimbabwe’s envoy to Japan.

Japan-Zimbabwe Business Forum: Trade and Investment on the Agenda

On July 15, President Mnangagwa will headline the Japan-Zimbabwe Business Forum, an engagement platform for Japanese investors and Zimbabwean economic leaders. The forum will spotlight key sectors including:

• Mining and minerals beneficiation

• Agriculture and agri-tech

• Tourism and heritage

• Manufacturing and infrastructure development

The Zimbabwean delegation includes government ministers, economic advisors, and business leaders, all focused on expanding economic cooperation with Japan and tapping into Asia’s dynamic markets.

Japan-Zimbabwe Relations: Longstanding Cooperation

Japan remains a critical development partner for Zimbabwe. The two countries share a history of collaboration, particularly in:

• Infrastructure development (e.g., the North-South Corridor project)

• Agricultural mechanization and food security

• Health sector support

“Japan has been a consistent partner of Zimbabwe, supporting development programs in health, agriculture, and infrastructure,” Ambassador Nyakotyo added.

The North-South Corridor, an essential trade route connecting Zimbabwe with Zambia and regional markets, has received substantial Japanese support through grant financing and technical assistance.

Diaspora Engagement and Economic Diplomacy

President Mnangagwa is also scheduled to meet Zimbabwean nationals living in Japan, fostering a deeper sense of national unity and encouraging diaspora involvement in development projects. These engagements are part of a broader strategy to leverage remittances, knowledge transfer, and skills from the diaspora community. The visit is seen as a continuation of Zimbabwe’s multi-vector foreign policy, following recent diplomatic missions to Belarus and Russia. These efforts align with Mnangagwa’s push for “economic diplomacy”—a foreign policy centred on attracting investment and trade partnerships to drive national growth.

About Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka hosts 158 participating countries and seven international organizations. The event brings together global leaders, innovators, and businesses to exchange solutions on sustainability, health, and economic resilience.

Zimbabwe’s pavilion and presence reflect its vision for inclusive development, aligning with Vision 2030, the country’s blueprint for becoming an upper-middle-income economy.

Conclusion

President Mnangagwa’s visit to Japan represents a strategic push to elevate Zimbabwe’s global standing, promote foreign direct investment, and foster innovation-driven growth. As he delivers keynote remarks at Expo 2025 and champions economic opportunities during the Japan-Zimbabwe Business Forum, the world will watch Zimbabwe stake its claim as a forward-looking, globally connected economy.