Zambia energy storage vehicle manufacturer spot

Will Zambia partner with DRC to produce electric vehicles?

Zambia says it will seek Western lenders for its plans to partner with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to jointly start producing electric vehicles batteries and cement a firm position in the global supply chain.

Can Zambia create a competitive electric vehicle battery value chain?

Mr. John Mulongoti, Permanent Secretary-Investments and Industrialisation, MCTI, in his opening remarks shared Zambia’s resolve to create a competitive Electric Vehicle Battery value chain leveraging on the presence of the critical minerals, tailored towards sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Is Zambia a positive development for the EV ecosystem?

I must say this is an incredibly positive development for the Zambian EV ecosystem. Zambia now joins several countries in Africa, such as Ethiopia, Mauritius, and Rwanda, to remove or reduce customs duty on electric vehicles.

Are EV companies pursuing a symbiotic relationship in Zambia?

President Hichilema said, “We have the natural resources, they have the technology. This is the symbiotic relationship we are pursuing with companies like BYD and CATL, who are the largest EV and energy storage battery manufacturers, to invest in Zambia.” Exciting times for the EV sector in Zambia.

How will the removal of customs duty affect electric vehicles in Zambia?

The removal of customs duty for full electric vehicles and the reduction of customs duty for hybrids is a very welcome development. This will help reduce the costs of electric vehicles in Zambia, making them more competitive with ICE vehicles from an upfront purchase point of view.

Will private sector play a role in achieving Zambia's manufacturing agreement?

“We fully welcome and support the Operationalisation of this agreement” Mr Masuwa said. Zambia Association of Manufacturers president Ashu Sagar said the private sector will play its role in seeing to it that the programme succeeds.