Press Statement on Signing of Framework Agreement – Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry

March 27 2023
Timothy

The Governments of the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a Financing Agreement with Afreximbank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) for the pre-feasibility study for the establishment of special economic zones, dedicated to the Electric Vehicle Battery (EVB) Value Chain.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kinshasa, DRC, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga said the agreement shows the commitment of the two nations, under the leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and His Excellency, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to ensure the success of this great initiative.

Hon. Mulenga who signed on behalf of Zambia said the Agreement also guides the implementation of the initiative and signifies a huge milestone in the cooperation between Zambia and the DRC on the establishment of a value chain in the Electric Battery and Clean Energy Sector, which was agreed upon on 29th April, 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia.

The Minister expressed that the Cooperation Agreement was born out of the need for the two countries to take charge of their mineral resources by enhancing value addition locally to create industries, businesses and jobs for their people in collaboration with development partners.

In addition, Hon. Mulenga said it was gratifying that partners such as Afreximbank and UNECA have been with Zambia and the DRC during this journey, to support aspirations of the two nations.

And the Minister of Industry for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Hon. Julien Paluku who signed on behalf of his country reiterated the commitment of both countries to the implementation of the initiative.

The ceremony was graced by His Excellency, the Prime Minister, Mr. Sama Lukonde and in attendance was the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr. John Mulongoti, His Excellency, Mr. Paulu Kosita, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the DRC and Senior Government Officials.