By BENEDICT TEMBO
THE government of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a Financing Agreement with Afreximbank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) for the pre-feasibility study for the establishment of special economic zones, dedicated to the Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) Value Chain.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kinshasa, DRC, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga said the agreement demonstrates the commitment of the two countries, under the leadership of His President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema and his Democratic Republic of Congo counterpart Felix Tshisekedi to ensure the success of the initiative.
Mr Mulenga who signed on behalf of Zambia said the agreement also guides the implementation of the initiative and signifies a huge milestone in the cooperation between Zambia and the DRC on the establishment of a value chain in the Electric Battery and Clean Energy Sector, which was agreed upon on April 29, 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia.
According to a statement by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry public relations officer Musanda Kangwa, the minister said the agreement was born out of the need for the two countries to take charge of their mineral resources by enhancing value addition locally to create industries, businesses and jobs for their people in collaboration with development partners.
Mr Mulenga said it was gratifying that partners such as Afreximbank and UNECA have been with Zambia and the DRC during this journey, to support aspirations of the two nations.
And the minister of Industry for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Julien Paluku who signed on behalf of his country reiterated the commitment of both countries to the implementation of the initiative.
The ceremony was graced by Congolese the Prime Minister, Sama Lukonde and in attendance was the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr. John Mulongoti, His Excellency, Paulu Kosita, Zambia’s Ambassador to the DRC and senior Government officials.
We have many unused ware housing facilities in between Chingola and Chililabombwe owned by Chinese companies, these would be ideal locations for the setting up of EV battery manufacturing plants as they are in close proximity to the DRC border.