Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi has signed a joint statement to boost cooperation with mineral-rich Zambia. Japan is aiming to secure key natural resources from African countries.

Nishimura met President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday in the capital Lusaka as part of a five-nation tour of the continent.

Countries including China are rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles, leaving Japan to play catch-up in the race to secure key resources.

Zambia produces cobalt and nickel, which are both used in EV batteries, and copper.

Nishimura said he hopes to cooperate widely with Zambia as a first step to stronger bilateral ties.

Hichilema said he hopes to conclude a framework for investment and trade with Japan, so that Zambia can add value to its resources.

The two countries agreed to build responsible and resilient supply chains for critical minerals.

The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security also signed a memorandum of understanding on minerals exploration, while delegates from the Japanese private sector joined a meeting on resources development.