In a transformative initiative to reshape electric mobility across Africa, representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Morocco, and Zambia have partnered to build strong regional value chains in battery production, electric vehicles, and charging infrastructure. Organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Office for North Africa, the event marks the launch of the second phase of a regional project aimed at advancing electric mobility value chains among the three nations.
This collaboration leverages the distinct strengths of each partner: the DRC’s extensive reserves of key minerals such as cobalt and copper, Morocco’s advanced automotive manufacturing expertise, and Zambia’s growing industrial and investment capabilities. Together, these nations aim to drive economic development, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and position Africa as a leader in global sustainable mobility solutions.
Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate Green Industrialization
During the opening session, Crusivia Hichikumba, Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialization at Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, stressed the importance of regional cooperation. “The complementarities between our countries’ resource endowments and experiences are sufficient to support the creation of robust regional value chains for batteries and battery precursors,” Hichikumba said. “Strategic partnerships like this one are essential to accelerating our development agenda.”
The initiative identifies electric mobility as a crucial factor for economic, environmental, and social transformation. With outdated vehicles contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and poor public transport infrastructure in many parts of Africa, advancing carbon-free transportation is vital to mitigating global warming and improving quality of life across the continent.
Marie Pascale Diatuka Malanda, Coordinator of the DRC Agency for Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development, emphasized the DRC’s critical role in this effort. “With its rich reserves of cobalt and copper, the DRC has a central role to play in advancing electric mobility value chains,” she said, highlighting the importance of knowledge and technology sharing to promote low-carbon, green industrialization across the region.
Morocco’s Leadership in Green Automotive Manufacturing
Morocco, the largest car producer in Africa, has manufactured one million vehicles annually over the last two decades, including four electric models. Idriss Addahbi, Head of Intelligence and Strategy at Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, pointed to the country’s leadership in sustainable mobility. “By creating a regional value chain, we generate jobs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to combating climate change. United, we can establish Africa as a global leader in electric mobility,” Addahbi emphasized.
A Call for Regional Integration
The workshop, which took place from December 9–11, 2024, called for aligning visions, combining resources, and capitalizing on the unique strengths of Zambia, Morocco, and the DRC. Adam Elhiraika, Director of the ECA Office for North Africa, urged action: “Together, we must create actionable policies, strategies, and initiatives to unlock Africa’s potential in the global electric mobility value chain.”
The event aimed to:
- Develop a comprehensive roadmap and implementation plan for advancing electric mobility value chains.
- Build technical capacity in battery production, vehicle assembly, and charging infrastructure.
- Enhance the expertise of policymakers and technical committees.
- Foster knowledge exchange, collaborative initiatives, and the adoption of best practices.
Elhiraika highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vital enabler of this initiative. “The AfCFTA provides a framework for harmonizing policies and achieving seamless regional integration. It can scale up e-mobility solutions, facilitate the movement of goods and expertise, and boost economic growth across the continent,” he stated.
Toward a Sustainable African Future
The workshop, which brought together policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and technical experts, will conclude with a high-level political dialogue on December 12, 2024. This session will focus on shaping Africa’s trajectory in regional automotive and electric mobility value chains.
By harnessing Africa’s mineral resources and Morocco’s technical expertise, the partnership aims to position the continent as a competitive force in global electric mobility. This collaboration serves as a bold example of the transformative power of regional partnerships in addressing global challenges such as climate change while driving sustainable economic growth.
