JAPAN International Cooperation Agency (JICA) says inclusive development in Zambia can be realised by empowering women and young people in both rural and urban areas.

JICA resident representative Yoshihide Teranishi said dynamic development could be ignited by improvements in the business environment and infrastructure such as roads, bridges and electricity.

Mr Teranishi said during a media breakfast meeting in Lusaka yesterday that Zambia's future development lay in the country's rich endowment of natural resources such as water and uncultivated land.

He said growth in agriculture and industry could be realised through introduction of appropriate technologies and knowledge.

"Challenges of Zambia are on how to tackle the serious poverty situation, limited access to basic life needs such water, health and education," Mr Teranishi said.

He said Zambia was one of the major beneficiaries of JICA having received over US$30 million in official development support (ODA).