Morocco partners with central African nations on EV plan

Unsplash.com/Andrew Roberts

Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia have joined together to develop the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles (EVs), as they strive to lower their dependence on fossil fuels.

The three nations will club their resources and experiences to support the development of EV batteries and battery precursors.

Developing carbon-free transportation is essential to mitigating global warming, said Marie Malanda, coordinator of the DRC Agency for Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development.

“In Africa, vehicles are often older and are significant emitters of greenhouse gases, while public transport infrastructure remains in a poor state,” she said, adding that electric mobility offers Africa substantial opportunities to improve economic, environmental, and social conditions.

The DRC is rich in strategic minerals such as cobalt and copper and has a central role in advancing electric mobility value chains, Malanda said.

Electric mobility is a driver of economic, social and environmental development, said Idriss Addahbi, head of intelligence and strategy at the Morocco’s ministry of industry and trade.

• Morocco signs Chinese deal to build EV battery factory
• Morocco’s rail project secures $14bn funding
• Morocco secures $211m loan to improve water security

Morocco has manufactured one million vehicles annually, including four electric models, over the past two decades.

“By developing a regional value chain, we are creating jobs, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and contributing to the fight against climate change. By joining forces, we can become a global electric mobility leader,” he said.

Adam Elhiraika, director of UN’s Economic Commission for North Africa said formulating actionable policies, measures, and initiatives can unlock Africa’s potential in the global e-mobility value chain, supporting regional economic growth.