Lusaka, Zambia – Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed a landmark agreement to establish a regional battery-materials manufacturing hub. The initiative aims to leverage both countries’ vast cobalt and copper reserves to position them as key players in the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
Under the agreement, both governments will work with private investors to set up processing plants that will refine raw materials into battery-grade components. “This partnership aligns with our goal to move up the value chain and maximize the benefits of our mineral resources,” said Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
The move has been praised by analysts who see it as a step toward reducing dependence on raw material exports while increasing local value addition.