Creating wealth in the value chain of the battery metals industry in Africa is a crucial issue for the economic development of the continent. It is with this in mind that the first edition of the DRC-Africa Forum took place, which took place from September 20 to 21, 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During this event, the participants, made up of economic players in the mining sector and political decision-makers, formulated 18 recommendations in order to improve mining and industrial governance in Africa, and more specifically in the DRC.
Among these recommendations, the establishment of a general law on industries, called the Industry Code, is recommended in accordance with the DRC Mining Code. This measure aims to promote a legal and regulatory framework conducive to investment in the industrial sector.
Another important recommendation is to make the DRC a preferred destination for electric battery investments by 2040. This involves seeking the skills and technology needed to ensure a sustainable value chain in the metals and batteries industry in Africa.
The pooling of efforts between African countries is also highlighted, with the example of collaboration between the DRC and Zambia. This cooperation would make it possible to guarantee the realization of investments in the mining sector and the processing industry, thus promoting a real economic renaissance.
Other recommendations include increasing the supply of battery metals on the continent, establishing partnerships between mining and technology companies in the value chain, and improving sector governance. mining by strengthening the capacities of state actors and putting in place regulations favorable to the local processing of metals for electric batteries.
In sum, these recommendations from the DRC-Africa Forum 2023 aim to create an environment conducive to investment and prosperity in the battery metals industry in Africa. They are part of a desire for sustainable economic development, by promoting the development of the continent’s mineral resources and strengthening the competitiveness of African industry.