Signature of an agreement for the production of electric batteries between DRC and Zambia

 

The President of the DRC, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema

The Congolese and Zambian Heads of State had a one-on-one meeting followed by the signing of the Agreement between Zambia and the DRC relating to the value chain of electric and renewable batteries.

Several speeches were made to this effect. In particular those, successively, of the Chancellor of the University of Zambia, the President of Manufacturing Industries, the Governor of the Central Bank of Zambia, the representative of Afriximbank for Southern Africa, the representative of Uneca, on the Zambian side , and the Minister of Industry Julien Paluku, on the DRC side. All, in their speeches, welcomed the pioneering role of the Congolese and Zambian Heads of State in the pooling of legal aspects for the exploitation of minerals.

The Congolese Head of State introduced his by declaring that it is for him "a historic day, a great pride for Africa that is this signing ceremony of a great adventure which will begin between the two countries, especially since the DRC and Zambia concentrate nearly 80% of the world's reserves of lithium, a mineral used in the manufacture of electric batteries.

By being together, he argued, the two countries are "much stronger" and can thus be "masters of their own destiny".

Since this will have a resounding impact for the respective economies, Felix Tshisekedi considered that the date of April 29, 2022 is "a precursory day for the continuation of the economic life of our continent", but above all "an example for all countries. of Africa”. And to add, "I have no doubt that Africa will really be the continent of tomorrow".

“Let me rejoice on this day and thank Almighty God who has endowed our countries with these natural resources and who has given us this intelligence to be able to transform them at home and turn them into economic assets,” he said. he stated in conclusion.

His Zambian counterpart, the last to speak, thanked him in return before expressing his impressions.

Minister Julien Paluku read the final press release in French, a press release signed by the two Heads of State.

Cassian Tribunal Aungane, Editor