The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has underscored the importance of African countries leveraging recent advancements in the global battery and electric vehicle (EV) industry. During a technical review meeting focusing on the implementation of a cross-border special economic zone for the battery and EV sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, UNECA emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative. Supported by the African Export-Import Bank, this endeavor aims to bolster socio-economic development and structural transformation in the region.
Eunice Kamwendo, Director of the UNECA Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of this initiative. By enhancing the value of minerals essential for EV manufacturing, attracting both domestic and foreign investments, and generating sustainable employment opportunities, the project promises to catalyze economic growth. Moreover, the planned joint special economic zone is poised to foster manufacturing synergies within and beyond the participating countries, while addressing technological disparities in the sector.
Kamwendo emphasises the potential of this initiative to drive regional economies and elevate the continent’s development trajectory through mineral-based industrialization. Notably, the growing demand for rechargeable batteries, fueled by smartphone proliferation and the imperative of renewable energy storage, presents Africa with a propitious avenue for sustainable development.
The UNECA reiterated that the joint battery and EV initiative has garnered high-level political endorsement in both the DRC and Zambia, evidenced by the signing of a framework agreement for the establishment of the special economic zone in March 2023.
