As an extension of its support to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the development of a regional battery and electric vehicle value chain, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and its partners are raising awareness among national stakeholders of the BEV project on 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, more than 60 experts from the public, private, academia and civil society are discussing inclusive and greening approaches to mining transformation.
The increase in global demand for critical minerals for the green energy transition and the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries is contributing to further pressure on producing 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 greening and inclusiveness from the outset.
Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the ECA’s Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa, explains the meaning of the initiative, saying: “The cross-border special economic zone between the DRC and Zambia will be launched very soon, its pre-feasibility study has been validated. We have the CAEB which is already functional. The Buenassa company is in the process of installing a cobalt and copper refinery. The Kolwezi stage is crucial because it allows the various public, private and social actors to act hand in hand so that present and future generations can make the most of this industrial revolution. No one should be left behind.”
Through various forums, African policymakers have expressed their desire to see this mining boom support the creation of new industries with higher added value and job creation across the continent, thus fueling the economy for the well-being of local communities as enshrined in the African Mining Vision.