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Economy

Morocco, DRC, and Zambia Launch Electric Mobility Initiative in Lusaka

Wednesday 11 December 2024 - 11:20 By: Dakir Madiha

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Africa’s automotive industry is poised for transformation as Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia collaborate on a pioneering electric mobility initiative. This regional effort, aimed at developing a robust electric vehicle (EV) value chain, was launched in Lusaka, Zambia, on December 9, marking the beginning of its second phase. The initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Office for North Africa, seeks to revolutionize the continent’s automotive sector.

The project aligns with Africa’s broader sustainability goals, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while addressing issues like outdated vehicle fleets and inadequate public transport infrastructure. By fostering electric mobility, the initiative promises not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Crusivia Hichikumba, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialization, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating that the complementary resources and expertise of the three countries would help establish a robust battery and precursor production value chain. She emphasized that this collaboration could play a pivotal role in transitioning their economies away from fossil fuels.

The DRC, with its vast reserves of cobalt and copper, plays a central role in the success of this initiative. Marie Pascale Diatuka Malanda from the Congolese Agency for Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development noted the importance of synergies, technology transfer, and best practices for fostering green, low-carbon industrialization.

Morocco, which has positioned itself as a major player in Africa’s automotive sector, brings valuable experience in vehicle production, including electric models. Idriss Addahbi, a senior official at Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, stressed the potential for the three countries to become global leaders in electric mobility through cooperation. He emphasized that developing a regional value chain would not only create jobs but also contribute to climate action by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The automotive sector in Africa is rapidly expanding, with the industry valued at $30.44 billion in 2021 and expected to grow to $42.06 billion by 2027. This growth is fueled by rising demand for both passenger and utility vehicles, driven by urbanization across the continent. Meanwhile, the global electric vehicle market is set to reach $46 trillion by 2050, offering Africa a unique opportunity to capitalize on its vast reserves of cobalt, lithium, and copper, which account for 30% of the world’s supply.

The electric mobility transition aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focus on promoting green jobs and building economic resilience. However, significant challenges remain, including limited infrastructure, the scarcity of EV charging stations, and regulatory differences across the region, which hinder seamless value chain development.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing a platform for policy harmonization and regional integration. The Lusaka workshop, which runs from December 9 to 11, serves as a critical gathering of public and private sector representatives and technical experts, who are working to develop a detailed roadmap for EV infrastructure, battery production, and vehicle assembly.

With the continent’s electric vehicle market on the rise, the electric mobility initiative in Lusaka marks an important step toward a more sustainable and economically resilient future for Africa.