Effectively managing mining and industrial governance in Africa is a major challenge. This is particularly the case in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which represents a key player in the mining sector. During the recently held DRC-Africa Forum 2023, participants made a series of recommendations to improve this governance and create wealth in the battery metals industry value chain.
The first recommendation highlights the need for a general law on industries, which would be called the Industry Code or Industrial Code. This would establish a solid legal framework to regulate this key sector. In addition, participants highlighted the importance of making the DRC an attractive destination for investments in electric batteries by 2040.
Another crucial recommendation concerns the search for appropriate skills and technologies to sustain wealth creation in the metals and batteries sector in Africa and the DRC. This requires close collaboration between African states, such as that between the DRC and Zambia, to ensure effective investments in mining and the processing industry.
To maximize sales opportunities in a volatile battery metals market, it is necessary to define a precise schedule for the production of the first precursors of batteries or electric vehicles through the partnership between the DRC and Zambia. Additionally, it is essential to encourage mining companies to engage with technology companies throughout the value chain, in order to foster winning collaboration.
Beyond these technical recommendations, the DRC-Africa Forum also highlighted the importance of improving governance of the mining sector. This involves strengthening the capacities of state actors, putting in place attractive regulations for investors, reviewing the method of management of funds intended for the development of local communities and fighting corruption.
Finally, to promote economic development, it is necessary to create special economic zones that promote investments and improve the business climate.
All of these recommendations highlight the crucial importance of mining and industrial governance in Africa, and particularly in the DRC. By improving legal frameworks, promoting investment and tackling corruption, these measures will help create a thriving battery metals industry and generate wealth in the region.
In conclusion, the implementation of these recommendations requires close collaboration between governments, economic actors and civil society.. Only a collective and visionary approach can make Africa, and in particular the DRC, a destination of choice for investments in the battery metals industry.