We remain mobilized to support the battery industry in Africa, starting in the DRC – AfDB Boss
The DRC – Africa Business Forum closed on Thursday in Kinshasa. This high-level forum intends to provide solutions to improve the living conditions of Africans by developing value chains linked to the mining resources used in electric batteries (cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, nickel, graphite). A way to take advantage of the global transition to green energy, the use of electricity in transport systems and the decarbonisation of economies
“We remain mobilized with other partners to support the development of the battery industry in Africa, starting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said the president of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina. Electric vehicles are a revolution and a unique opportunity for Africa to transform its natural resources into sustainable prosperity for all. Which in itself would be a great revolution. Let’s step on the pedals! Let’s accelerate and turn this dream into reality! “
The event was organized by the Congolese Ministry of Industry, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the African Legal Support Facility and the United Nations Global Compact.
Several senior African leaders called for “turning the dream into reality” at the African battery and electric vehicle business forum.
“This Forum is a real opportunity to agree our views on the challenges of development in Africa and on the process of structural transformation of the continent. It constitutes an adequate framework for moving from brown growth to green, more resilient and diversified growth, ”President Tshisekedi said. He stressed that the global transition to a green economy was a requirement.
And to add:
“Africa has 60 types of minerals and has a third of the world’s mineral reserves,” he recalled. This meeting gives us the opportunity to capitalize on investment opportunities. Better integration of mineral producers will help increase wealth and create jobs and new skills for young people, ”added Félix Tshisekedi.
