Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia have jointly launched the second phase of a regional project to develop electric mobility value chains, connecting the three countries.
The launching ceremony took place on Monday in Lusaka, capital of Zambia where the three countries agreed to complement each other and share experience to support the development of robust regional value chains for the productions of batteries and battery precursors, according to a statement by ECA on Tuesday.
“This can really move our economies away from fossil fuels. We are cognizant to the fact that we cannot achieve socio-economic transformation alone, but strategic partnerships such as these will play an important role in accelerating the positive trajectory of the development agendas of the three country,” said Crusivia Hichikumba, Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialization at Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, at the opening session.
In Africa, vehicles are often older and are significant emitters of greenhouse gases, while public transport infrastructure remains in a poor state. Electric mobility is expected to offer Africa substantial opportunities to improve economic, environmental, and social conditions.
Marie Pascale Diatuka Malanda, Coordinator of the DRC Agency for Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development said the DRC is rich in strategic minerals such as cobalt and copper and has a central role to play in advancing electric mobility value chains.
Diatuka emphasised the importance of exploring synergies among the three countries’ technical capabilities, facilitating technology and knowledge transfer, and sharing best practices to promote green, low-carbon industrialisation.
Electric mobility is a driver of economic, social, and environmental development, said Idriss Addahbi, Head of Intelligence and Strategy at the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade, the statement noted.
Addahbi highlighted Morocco’s transformation into Africa’s leading car producer, manufacturing one million vehicles annually, including four electric models, over the past two decades.
“By developing a regional value chain, we are creating jobs, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and contributing to the fight against climate change. By joining forces, we can become a global electric mobility leader,” he stressed.
MG/as/APA