JICA Zambia

Since November 2025, Mr. Takashi Konno has served as a JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer in Sinda District, Eastern Province. Having previously served as a JICA volunteer in Paraguay and Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Konno brings a wealth of experience of contributing to agricultural development across continents.

Now based at the Sinda District Agriculture Office, Mr. Konno supports the cultivation and improvement of a wide range of crops, including fruit trees and root vegetables.

Beyond cultivation, he is also training local farmers in food preservation techniques, helping them add value to their harvests and reduce post-harvest losses.

Drawing on his extensive technical expertise and the practical knowledge gained from his past assignments across continents, Konno-San continues to make meaningful contributions to strengthening Zambia’s agricultural sector and is dedicated to sharing his experience and passion with local farmers and the surrounding communities.

Through these efforts, Mr. Konno embodies JICA’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG #2 & SDG #17) by fostering food security and strengthening global development partnerships.

2025年11月から、東部州シンダ郡でJICA海外協力隊として活動している今野隆隊員。

これまでパラグアイやコートジボワールでも隊員として活躍しており、国境を越えて農業発展に貢献してきた経験豊富な隊員です。現在はシンダ郡農業事務所を拠点に、果樹や根菜類など幅広い作物の栽培・改良に携わっています。

さらに、収穫後のロスを減らし、農産物の価値を高めるための「食品加工・保存技術」についても、地元の農家さんへ積極的に指導を行っています。

これまで世界各地で培ってきた技術とノウハウを生かしながら、ザンビアの農業を力強く支えている今野隊員。

地域の農家やコミュニティと共に、持続可能で豊かな農業の実現に向けて日々取り組んでいます。

こうした活動を通じて、今野隊員は「食料安全保障（SDG目標2）」と「パートナーシップ（SDG目標17）」の達成にも大きく貢献しています。

Mr. Shoi Hirakawa is a JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteer serving as a Food and Rice Culture Volunteer at the Chongwe District Agriculture Office.
After seeing how the dry season traditionally limits crop production and reduces income for local families, Mr. Shoi decided to introduce a sustainable solution to mushroom cultivation using recycled maize cobs.
This innovative method is a game changer because mushrooms can be grown indoors with careful temperature and humidity control and be harvested just one month after planting. With this innovation, farmers no longer have to wait for the rain to secure their livelihoods. This project is creating a new agricultural opportunity that promises a steady, year-round income for the entire community.

Mr. Shoi is working together with local farmers to bring these sustainable solutions to life! 🇿🇲🇯🇵

JICA海外協力隊としてチョングウェ県農業事務所で「食品・米文化隊員」として活動している平川翔唯隊員。

乾季には作物の収穫量が落ち、地域の家庭の収入にも影響が出てしまう――そんな現状を目の当たりにした平川さんが取り組んだのが、「トウモロコシの芯を再利用した、持続可能なキノコ栽培」でした。

この方法なら、温度や湿度を管理できる室内で栽培でき、植えてから1ヶ月ほどで収穫も可能。雨季を待つことなく生産できるため、農家の新たな収入源として注目されています。

地域の農家さんたちと力を合わせながら、年間を通して安定した収入につながる“新しい農業のカタチ”を広げている平川隊員。

これからの展開にも期待が高まります！ 🇿🇲🇯🇵

Mr. Fujimoto is a JICA Volunteer based at Prince Takamado Primary School located in the Bauleni area of Lusaka. The school was built in 1999 with support from the Government of Japan and is now one of the region’s large-scale schools and 2,700 students’ study in a four-shift system.
The school has deep ties with Japan, and Japanese greetings such as “Youkoso!”(Welcome ), “Ohayou gozaimasu!”(Good morning), and “Arigatou!”(Thank you) can often be heard throughout the campus. Students also enjoy aspects of Japanese culture, including Kendama, Origami.
In Japan, Mr. Fujimoto was working as a school principal, and he now applies this experience to support the children of Zambia. In his class, he incorporates songs to build unity and sets the class motto as “I can do it”, creating an environment where students naturally engage with the lesson. The children affectionately call him “Mr. Yoshi!”, and the classroom is always full of energy. During his lessons, he asks questions that help students think and checks their understanding level step by step. Even though Prince Takamado Primary School has large classes and a wide range of learning needs, Mr. Fujimoto supports each student carefully identifying their difficulties and helping them experience small but meaningful successes.

藤本隊員は、ルサカ市バウレニ地区にあるプリンス・タカマド小学校（Prince Takamado Primary / Basic School）で活動する小学校教育隊員です。同校は1999年に日本政府の支援によって建設され、現在は約2,700名もの児童が4シフト制で学ぶ地域の大規模校です。学校には日本とのつながりも深く、校内では “Youkoso!” “Ohayou gozaimasu!” “Arigatou!” といった日本語が元気に飛び交い、けん玉や折り紙などの日本文化にも親しんでいます。

同隊員は日本では校長として活躍した経験をもち、その知見を生かしてザンビアの子どもたちのために日々取り組んでいます。担当するクラスでは、クラスの一体感を高めるために歌を取り入れたり、合言葉として “I can do it” を掲げたりするなど、子どもたちが自然と授業に引き込まれる工夫を凝らしています。児童たちは親しみを込めて藤本隊員を “Mr. Yoshi!” と呼び、教室はいつも活気にあふれています。

授業では、思考力を育む問いを設定し、児童の理解状況を丁寧に確認しながら進めています。プリンス・タカマド小学校は学級規模が大きく、多様な学習環境を抱えていますが、藤本隊員は一人ひとりのつまずきを丁寧に把握し、小さな成功体験を積み重ねられるよう、きめ細やかな支援を続けています。

#国際協力

The Japanese business delegation visiting Zambia impressed by the country’s industrial potential

The Japanese business delegation is impressed by Zambia’s strong economic performance and industrialization. During their meetings with Zambian Companies and government officials, the delegation expressed strong interest in Zambia’s mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. “Zambia has a wealth of resources and a strategic location in Southern Africa,” said Mr. Tomoya Osawa of Taiyo Bussan Co. Ltd. “We see huge opportunities for Japanese companies to invest and partner with local businesses.”

Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, echoed this sentiment, stating that, “Zambia has the most attractive and abundant natural resources which the delegation can experience as they tour the country.” The ambassador also emphasized Zambia’s economic growth, political stability, and abundant natural resources. He noted that these factors make the country an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Speaking during the networking dinner, Ms. Megumi Suda, JICA Zambia Project formulation advisor for Private Sector Development said the visit by the Japanese business delegation is an important step in strengthening economic relations between Japan and Zambia. She noted that JICA remains committed to supporting Zambia’s development through cooperation in private sector growth.

The delegation is expected to continue meeting with business leaders and visiting different sectors to explore possible areas of cooperation and investment.

JICA hosts Japanese business delegation’s visit to Zambia for new opportunities

JICA is proud to co-host a high level Japanese business delegation with JETRO which is in the country to explore new investment and business opportunities in Zambia. The delegation focuses on key sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing aiming to strengthen Japan–Zambia economic ties.
The Programme will run until 8 March, featuring site visits related to these key sectors as well as networking opportunities.

JICA is actively contributing by facilitating business partnerships and promoting sustainable development initiatives that boost Zambia’s economic transformation.

*English follows Japanese

「感染症対策のためのラボサーベイランス強化プロジェクト」で、ナイジェリア、ガーナへのスタディ・ツアーを実施しました。

2026年2月16日から24日まで、実施中のJICA技術協力プロジェクト「感染症対策のためのラボサーベイランス強化プロジェクト」で、今村忠嗣チーフ・アドバイザー（サーベイランス担当）とカウンターパート機関ザンビア国立公衆衛生研究所(Zambia National Public Health Institute: ZNPHI)から3名の部門長を含むカウンターパート9名が、ナイジェリアとガーナへのスタディ・ツアーを実施しました。

両国では、ZNPHI同様、感染症対策司令塔の役割を担うナイジェリア疾病予防センター（Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention）とガーナ保健サービス局（Ghana Health Service）を訪問し、国立レファレンス・ラボラトリーの運営状況およびサーベイランスやアウトブレイク対応との連携体制について学びました。また、ナイジェリア医療研究所（Nigeria Institute for Medical Research）や野口記念医療研究所（Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research）も訪問し、感染症対策に資する国内研究機関との協働につき、考察を深めました。特にJICAが技術協力プロジェクトを実施中のナイジェリア国立レファレンス・ラボラトリー（日本の無償資金協力により完工したバイオセイフティレベル３（BSL3）検査室ふくむ施設）の訪問では、BSL3施設の運営やサーベイランス、アウトブレイク対応での活用について、NCDC担当官らと活発な意見交換を行い、理解を深めていました。

尚、今回のスタディ・ツアーには、ZNPHIレファレンス・ラボラトリーだけでなく、サーベイランスやアウトブレイク対応を主管する部署からも部門長と主要職員が参加しました。検査・サーベイランス・緊急時対応を担う主要部署の関係者が、一緒にツアーに参加し、意見交換・視察を行ったことで、ザンビアにおけるラボサーベイランスの円滑化、及び、強化につながる成果が期待されています。

JICA-ZNPHI Project implemented the study tour to Nigeria and Ghana

In the on-going JICA’s technical Project with Zambia National Health Institute (ZNPHI), “The Project for Strengthening the Laboratory-Based Surveillance for Infectious Diseases” implemented the Study tour to Nigeria and Ghana from Feb. 16 to 24, 2026. Dr. IMAMURA Tadatsugu, Chief Advisor of the Project in charge of Surveillance, and nine ZNPHI officers, including three Directors, have participated.

In the tour, the mission visited the public health institutes in charge of national infectious disease control, notably the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Ghana Health Service (GHS), and respective national reference laboratories, and studied the management system of reference laboratories, as well as the framework of the coordination with Surveillance and Emergency Response departments. They also visited the Nigeria Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) to obtain insight for how the focal institute of infectious diseases can collaborate with domestic research institutes to facilitate the joint research activities, which contribute to infectious disease control. Especially, in the visit of National Reference Laboratory in Nigeria, where JICA’s technical cooperation project just started for supporting the operationalization of new laboratory facilities, including the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory by the Japanese Grant Aid Project, the mission exchanged actively with NCDC officers and obtained the perspectives for effective management and usage of BSL 3 laboratory in surveillance and outbreak response.

In this mission, not only the Director of National Public Health Laboratory Services, but the Directors and leading officers of Surveillance and Disease Intelligence and of Emergency Preparedness and Response have participated. Accordingly, this joint mission of the principal sections spearheading the laboratory-based surveillance will contribute to the facilitation and strengthening of laboratory-based surveillance in Zambia.

3rd BRIDGE MAINTENANCE EXPERTS COURSE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED!

The 3rd Bridge Maintenance Experts Course has officially come to a successful close at the Bridge Maintenance and Management Centre (BMMC) at the University of Zambia (UNZA).
The BMMC was recently launched and officially commissioned as a specialized hub to strengthen infrastructure management and engineering capacity in Zambia and the region. The Centre is equipped with modern training and research facilities and is designed to support long-term capacity building for Southern Africa
This year’s training brought together bridge engineers from Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, reflecting BMMC’s growing reputation as a regional Centre of Excellence for bridge engineering and maintenance
Throughout the course, participants received practical and theoretical training in bridge inspection, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance — skills that are essential for keeping our region’s road networks safe and reliable.

A big congratulations to all the engineers who completed the program!
Your commitment to strengthening infrastructure across Southern Africa is truly appreciated.

Building Inclusive Futures: The Professional Impact of Mr. Sugiyama

Mr. Sugiyama is JICA Volunteer based at the University of Zambia’s Special Needs Education Resource Centre. He is part of a dedicated team working to create a safe, supportive and reassuring learning environment for the children by blending his professional expertise in special needs education from Japan with local needs and contexts.
Each morning, Mr. Sugiyama begins the day by warmly greeting pupils at the school gate. These greetings are an important part of daily practice, as he carefully communicates with each child in a way that suits them - making eye contact, offering high-fives, or a thumbs-up, or when appropriate, sharing a gentle hug to help children feel secure and ready to learn.
In the classroom, he uses visual teaching materials to help pupils better understand lessons and engage more confidently in learning. To encourage independent learning, he supports children by preparing dotted letters and drawing in their notebooks, making tracing easier. Recently, positive changes have been observed, with pupils increasingly copying content independently from the whiteboard. Mr. Sugiyama also places strong emphasis on partnership with parents, proactively creating opportunities to listen to and share concerns and challenges faced at home. Through this approach, he is not only providing classroom support but also acting as a partner who walks alongside families. By standing at the same eye level as the children and respecting each individual, Mr. Sugiyama contributes to creating a safe and inclusive environment through classroom support, daily life guidance and close cooperation with parents – helping children and their families feel reassured and supported.
This work reflects our commitment to inclusive education in line with SDG 4: ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.



ザンビア大学付属 Special Needs Education Resource Centre で活動している杉山隊員は、毎朝、校門で児童・生徒へ心を込めて挨拶をすることから一日をスタートします。

日本で特別支援教諭としての経験を持つ杉山隊員は、一人ひとりの特性やペースを尊重しながら、日々の支援に取り組んでいます。朝の挨拶もその大切な一環であり、子どもたちに目線を合わせ、ハイタッチやサムアップ、軽いハグなど、その子に合った方法で丁寧にコミュニケーションを行っています。

また、見通しを持って学習に取り組めるよう、視覚教材を活用して授業の価値を高める工夫も重ねています。主体的に学べるように、ノートにドットで文字や絵を描き、子どもたちがトレースしやすいよう支援を行っており、最近ではホワイトボードの板書を自ら見て書き写すなど、良い変化も見られるようになってきました。

さらに、保護者との連携にも積極的に取り組み、家庭での悩みや不安を共有する時間を設けています。この姿勢は、単に支援を提供するだけでなく、保護者と共に子どもを支える「伴走者」としての役割を体現するものです。

杉山隊員は、子どもと同じ目線に立ち、それぞれを理解しながら、授業・生活面のサポートや保護者との連携を通じて、子どもたちとその家族にとって安心できる環境づくりに取り組んでいます。

Connecting Lives and Smiles Through Food - From the Frontlines of Nutrition Guidance in Zambia

Ms. Eri Naniwa, a JICA Volunteer dedicated to improving the lives of mothers and children in Ndola District, based at the Mushili Health Center, is working hand-in-hand with local communities to build a healthier future.
Beyond providing counseling at the health center, Eri actively participates in community outreach conducting body measurements, nutritional assessments, specialized counseling for caregivers of children under five years old and Knowledge-sharing sessions with local staff.
Building for the future sustainability of the JICA Volunteers program, Eri focuses on empowering local staff through orientations and the development of practical teaching materials tailored specifically to the Zambian context. By sharing these skills, she ensures that growth monitoring and nutrition support continues long after her mission.
Through her daily commitment and heartfelt collaboration, Eri embodies the JICA spirit of “Leading the World with Trust.”
浪花隊員：「食」でつなぐ命と笑顔—ザンビアでの栄養指導の現場から
浪花絵梨隊員は、ザンビア・コッパーベルト州ンドラ郡で活動するJICA海外協力隊の栄養士です。ムシリ地域ヘルスセンターを拠点に、ヘルスセンターのスタッフやコミュニティボランティアと協力しながら、子どもと母親の栄養改善を中心に取り組んでいます。
ヘルスセンターにおける母子の栄養指導・栄養相談に加え、地域を巡回しながら5歳未満の子どもたちの身体測定や栄養状態の評価、保護者への栄養相談の支援を行っています。
また、現地スタッフの身体測定や栄養カウンセリングのスキルアップにも力を入れています。オリエンテーションの実施や、地域の現状に即した指導用資料の作成・配布を通じて知識や技術を共有し、現地スタッフやボランティアが主体となって継続できる活動づくりを進めています。子どもたちの笑顔と未来を「食」でつなぐ、その思いを胸に日々活動を続けています。
#国際協力

Strengthening Science Education in Zambia!

JICA Zambia Chief Representative, Dr. Ono Tomoko together with the Hon. Minister of Education, Dr. Douglas Siakalima undertook a site visit to David Kaunda National STEM School.
The visit highlighted the remarkable progress being made under the USD 1.3 million JICA Grant Aid Project, which is supporting the construction of a modern science laboratory at the school. This facility will play a vital role in enhancing STEM education and providing learners with a worldclass environment to explore, innovate, and excel.
Dr. Ono Tomoko reaffirmed JICA’s unwavering commitment to Zambia’s education sector. “Together, we will continue to build a future where STEM education drives innovation, economic growth, and regional leadership.”
The minister of Education said that the project stands as a strong example of how collaboration can uplift communities and strengthen the future of Zambia.
JICA Zambia is offering the same support to two other technical schools, Hilcrest secondary and Kapiri Girls secondary schools.

UNZA Launches Zambia’s First Bridge Maintenance and Management Centre (BMMC)

The University of Zambia (UNZA) recently hosted the official opening of the Bridge Maintenance and Management Centre (BMMC), a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening Zambia’s infrastructure resilience and technical capacity in bridge maintenance.
Bridges play a critical role in Zambia’s connectivity and economic growth, along with rising traffic volumes and axle loads demand robust maintenance systems. “Without proper inspection and maintenance, small defects can escalate into costly failures. Conversely, good maintenance extends service life and frees resources for future infrastructure investment,” Dr. Tomoko Ono, Chief Representative of JICA said.
Prof. Albert Malama, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban development highlighted the strategic importance of skilled engineers in maintaining a reliable and resilient transportation network. The BMMC will serve as a Centre of Excellence, providing structured, hands-on training in inspection, diagnosis, repair, and materials science. Equipped with advanced tools such as a wheel-running machine and bridge girder model from Japan, which can be used to evaluate fatigue and stress to the bridge structure and materials under simulated traffic loading, the centre will foster collaboration between academia and practitioners. UNZA will contribute theoretical foundations and modern approaches like tablet-based inspection, while RDA brings practical field experience.
Drawing inspiration from Japan’s Maintenance Expert (ME) program at Gifu University, the centre aims to promote continuous upskilling and institutional strengthening tailored to Zambia’s context. “Our shared vision is for BMMC to become a hub for innovation and collaboration across Southern Africa, setting high technical standards and contributing to policy improvements,” Dr. Ono added.
JICA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the centre through a new technical cooperation project starting in March 2026.

Strengthening Community Health and Well-being in Zambia: Meet Erika Fujitomi

In the heart of Lusaka Province, JICA Volunteer Erika Fujitomi is working tirelessly to transform community healthcare. Stationed at the Chongwe District Health Office, Ms. Fujitomi serves as a Public Health Volunteer dedicated to strengthening local health systems.
Before joining the JICA volunteer program, Ms. Fujitomi worked as a certified public health nurse in Japan, where she served as a municipal health officer focusing on maternal and child health programs. Today, she brings that expertise to Zambia—visiting health centers across her assigned area, supporting infection prevention and control measures, and helping local healthcare workers enhance their knowledge and skills.
One of her creative initiative - the waste-sorting game to promote infection prevention - has been a big hit! We’re thrilled to see more and more clinics in the district adopting it on their own initiative. Even better, the idea is spreading beyond the district to hospitals and clinics across Lusaka Province. She’ll keep finding creative ways to make these activities something local communities can embrace and lead themselves.

藤富 絵里香隊員：現地の人々の健康のために
藤富絵里香隊員は、ルサカ州チョングウェ郡に派遣されているJICA海外協力隊員です。公衆衛生隊員として、郡保健局で活動しています。
日本では、保健師の資格を保有し、市の医務職員として母子保健事業に従事していた藤富隊員。ザンビアでは、任地のヘルスセンターを巡回しながら、医療施設の感染予防管理に向けた取り組み支援や、地域医療従事者に対しての知識向上支援を行っています。
感染予防対策支援として作成したゴミの分別ゲームが好評で、郡内のクリニックではスタッフが自発的に導入してくれる姿が増えました。さらには、郡を超えてルサカ州内の病院やクリニックへも広がりをみせています。これからも現地の人々が自発的に取り組める工夫をしながら活動に取り組みます。

#国際協力