Gambia DC Battery

Is there a battery industry in DRC and Zambia?

One of the key obstacles to realizing a battery industry in DRC and Zambia is the limited capacity for mineral processing and refining. Currently, most of the region’s mineral wealth is exported in raw form, which means that much of the value is captured abroad.

Why are DRC and Zambia establishing a regional battery value chain?

The DRC and Zambia have taken concrete steps since 2021 to establish a regional battery value chain. This shift is driven by global demand for battery minerals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium, as part of decarbonization efforts and increased investment in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy.

Will Zambia start electric vehicle battery production in 2024?

Zambia has announced plans to begin electric vehicle battery production in 2024 in partnership with China. However, significant infrastructure investments are needed to support these efforts, as well as technical expertise to ensure that local industries can meet global standards.

Who supports battery industry initiatives in Africa?

Multilateral organizations, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Export and Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), have provided technical assistance to support the battery industry initiatives.

Which countries are developing a battery industry in 2022?

In response to China's dominance, the USA joined DRC and Zambia’s efforts to develop a battery industry in December 2022. The EU has also signed critical mineral partnerships with Angola, DRC, and Zambia, and together with the USA, they are planning infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor railway to the Atlantic Coast.