Congo and Zambia Explore Plans to Jointly Build Battery Industry and Export Finished Products Instead of Raw Materials
-
Congo aims to become a major battery producer by 2030-2040 and produce electric cars domestically. Currently it exports raw cobalt.
-
Congo and Zambia want to jointly build a special economic zone to process raw materials into battery components.
-
Challenges include lack of infrastructure, skilled workers, and electricity to support large plants. Feasibility studies underway.
-
China is keen to be involved given its dominance in batteries, and some companies already mine in Congo.
-
Local processing mandated for some ores but not yet implemented. Needs political will and coordination. Idea should be regional.