DRC Sets Sights on Ambitious Electric Vehicle Industry: Minister Paluku Reveals 10-15 Year Plan for Battery Production
Julien Paluku, the Minister of Industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stated that it may require a period of 10 to 15 years to manufacture batteries and electric vehicles.
This statement was made in response to inquiries about establishing the electric vehicle battery value chain in the DRC. The goal of creating this value chain was a central focus for the DRC’s participation in the Global Gateway forum held in Brussels from October 25 to 26.
The forum, organized by the European Union, saw Prime Minister Jean Michel Sama Lukonde and several government members, including Minister of Industry Julien Paluku, representing the DRC.
During his speech at the forum, the Prime Minister urged European countries to collaborate with the DRC in establishing the electric vehicle battery value chain within its territory.
Paluku, during a joint press briefing on October 31 with Patrick Muyaya, emphasized that the manufacturing process for electric vehicle batteries involves three to four stages before they can be utilized.
He stressed that it would take several years to materialize this extensive project within the electric vehicle battery value chain in the DRC.
According to Paluku, these stages include the production of battery precursors, the actual manufacturing of batteries, and the production of electric vehicles.
He emphasized that these stages are spread out over a period of ten to fifteen years. Paluku highlighted that this extended timeline would enable the DRC to establish a comprehensive value chain for electric vehicle batteries.
He noted that previous efforts by notable companies like Tesla and other automobile manufacturers did not happen within a mere one or two years. Developing effective strategies for this project would require additional time.
Paluku also underscored the importance of this mega project for future political leaders, ensuring the continuity of state affairs and the foundation of a robust value chain based on strategic minerals.
He mentioned that the work done so far has laid the groundwork for those who will come after the current administration. A memorandum of understanding was signed on October 26 between the Congolese government and the European Union, solidifying their collaboration on this significant project.
During the signing ceremony in Brussels, Paluku declared that the European Union’s official involvement marked a significant milestone in the major pan-African battery and electric vehicle industry project initiated by the DRC.
