Lusaka hosted a major policy dialogue on the development of regional value chains (RVCs) in the automotive and electric mobility sectors. Among the key recommendations announced is the integration of Morocco into the DRC-Zambia special economic zone with a memorandum of understanding planned for 2025. The ECA promised technical support, in particular through strategic studies and a partnership framework aligned with priorities. national.
Representatives of Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia outlined a common roadmap to develop regional value chains in the automotive and electric mobility sectors during a event, organized as part of the High-level Policy Dialogue on the Development of Regional Automotive and Electric Mobility Value Chains by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
This strategic partnership, which, according to our information, will be deepened in 2025, intends to integrate sustainable mobility projects into the national public policies of the countries concerned. An integration of Morocco into the Zambia-DRC special economic zone was also mentioned, as well as the signing in 2025 of a memorandum of understanding to structure this collaboration.
The African automotive sector is experiencing notable growth, with demand estimated at ten million vehicles per year by 2030. The emergence of electric mobility also offers considerable prospects, while the global market for electric vehicles could reach 46,000 billion dollars by 2050. With 30% of the world’s reserves of cobalt, lithium and copper, Africa holds essential strategic resources for the manufacturing of batteries.
Conditional success
However, the success of this transition will depend on many factors: harmonization of regulatory frameworks, improvement of energy infrastructure, development of charging stations, training of a qualified workforce and incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles. The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) should also stimulate regional production and intra-African trade, promoting the competitiveness of SMEs in the sector. The experts gathered in Lusaka therefore call for concerted efforts to position Africa in competitive and sustainable global value chains.
The meeting also saw the participation of officials from Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe, exploring opportunities to expand the production of automotive components. Together, they discussed strategic priorities for building a competitive industrial ecosystem.
Strategic assets and challenges to overcome
Africa has nearly 30% of the world’s reserves of cobalt, lithium and copper, crucial resources for electric vehicle batteries. However, obstacles remain, including divergent regulatory frameworks, insufficient tax incentives and lack of suitable infrastructure, such as charging stations. Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is considered a catalyst for this transformation. According to a forthcoming ECA study, the elimination of tariff barriers could lead to an 85% increase in intra-African trade in vehicles and transport equipment by 2045.
The long-term objective is to make Africa a key player in the transition to electric mobility, drawing on its natural resources, its emerging industrial know-how and strengthened cooperation between States. Morocco is fully involved.
