Zambia and DRC Sign cooperation agreement to manufacture electric batteries

Abstract

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has signed a historical cooperation agreement to facilitate the development of value chain in electric battery and clean energy sector. The Cooperation Agreement is expected to provide a framework for bilateral cooperation on the initiative to develop the battery value chain as well as strengthen collaboration between Zambia and DRC. Speaking after the signing ceremony, President Hakainde Hichilema said the signing of cooperation agreements between Zambia and the DRC to start manufacturing electric car batteries is key milestone towards poverty alleviation in Zambia and DRC. For his part, Director a.i. for ECA Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa (ECA SRO-CA), Mr Jean Luc Mastaki who spoke on behalf of ECA Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe, observed that DRC and Zambia had a golden opportunity to move from their historic status as exporters of cheap raw materials to manufacturer and supplier of battery precursors and the related knowledge-based services.