- Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, highlights potential for renewed economic ties between Zimbabwe and Japan
- Bilateral trade has dwindled to an eighth of its pre-2008 levels, but Zimbabwe's coffee exports to Japan have resumed after a 20-year hiatus
- Japan offers Zimbabwe access to high-quality goods and expertise, but Zimbabwe needs to enhance its export capacity and create a more investor-friendly environment
Harare- Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, has highlighted the potential for renewed economic ties between the two nations, while acknowledging the challenges that have seen bilateral trade dwindle to just an eighth of its pre-2008 levels.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) (2025), Yamanaka said there was the need to diversify trade and strengthen partnerships, with Zimbabwe’s coffee exports to Japan marking a significant milestone after a 20-year hiatus.
Trade data paints a clear picture of the imbalance between the two countries. Since 2021, Zimbabwe exported US$2.23 million, with exports totalling US$288.87 million according to latest trade data from Zimstat.
This is in contrast to 20 million in exports versus 55 million in imports highted by the ambassador at the ZITF.
One of the standout developments is the resumption of Zimbabwean coffee exports to Japan, a market that had been absent for two decades. Zimbabwe’s coffee, known for its rich flavour and high quality, is poised to carve out a niche in Japan’s competitive market.
This revival signals potential for other value-added agricultural products, such as horticulture and processed foods, to gain traction in Japan.
The sharp decline in trade since 2008 reflects Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, including currency instability and policy uncertainties, which have deterred foreign investment and trade.
Japan, a global leader in technology and manufacturing, offers Zimbabwe a chance to access high-quality goods and expertise. However, for Zimbabwe to maximize this relationship, it must move beyond exporting raw commodities and focus on value addition.
Yamanaka urged Zimbabwean businesses to explore opportunities in Japan’s sophisticated market, particularly in processed agricultural products and niche sectors like organic foods. He also highlighted Japan’s interest in supporting Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development, which could pave the way for smoother trade logistics.
For trade to return to its pre-2008 highs, both nations must address structural challenges. Zimbabwe needs to enhance its export capacity, improve product standards, and create a more investor-friendly environment. Japan, in turn, can play a pivotal role by offering technical assistance and market access to Zimbabwean producers.
The resumption of coffee exports is a promising start, but the road to balanced and robust trade is long. As Ambassador Yamanaka concluded, “There is immense potential for our countries to grow together. Let us seize this moment to build a stronger, more diversified partnership.”
With ZITF 2025 setting the stage, Zimbabwe and Japan have a renewed opportunity to brew a stronger economic relationship one that moves beyond cars and commodities to a future of mutual prosperity.
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