As an extension of its support to the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the development of a regional value chain for batteries and electric vehicles, the Economic Commission for Africa and its partners are raising awareness among national stakeholders in the BEV project of the negative impacts of mining and industrial activities in the DRC on the one hand, and the benefits of green and inclusive industrial policies on the other. In Kolwezi (DRC) from February 18 to 19, 2025, over 60 experts from the public, private, academic and civil society sectors will discuss approaches to inclusivity and the greening of mining transformation.
Rising global demand for minerals critical to the green energy transition and the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles is putting even more pressure on producer countries such as the DRC.
With its large reserves of lithium, copper, manganese, nickel and cobalt, the DRC occupies a strategic position in this energy transition. These metals are essential for the production of green energy and the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles.
For ECA and its partners, it is crucial that the development of the regional BEV value chain integrates the greening and inclusivity dimensions from the outset. Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of ECA’s subregional office for Central Africa, explains the stakes: “The cross-border special economic zone between the DRC and Zambia will be launched very soon, and its pre-feasibility study has been validated. We have the CAEB, which is already up and running. The Buenassa company is setting up a cobalt and copper refinery. The Kolwezi stage is crucial because it enables the various public, private and social players to act hand in hand, so that present and future generations can derive maximum benefit from this industrial revolution. No one should be left behind”.
Through various forums, African political decision-makers have expressed their wish to see this mining boom support the creation of new, higher value-added, job-creating industries across the continent, fuelling the region’s green economy for the well-being of local communities as enshrined in the African Mining Vision.