Building a strong battery metals ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) hinges on effective collaboration among all stakeholders, ultimately benefiting the African continent. This was a key message at the opening of the DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum in Kinshasa this week.
For the second consecutive year, this two-day conference convenes essential mining stakeholders to discuss and develop an African battery metals value chain that serves countries, governments, and communities across the continent.
During the opening ceremony, DRC Mining Minister H.E. Kizito Pakabomba emphasized the Forum’s importance as a platform for discussion and collaboration. “However, the DRC cannot do it alone. We are calling on other countries to help us establish a comprehensive battery metals value chain,” he stated. He highlighted the regulatory frameworks in place to attract investors, while also stressing the necessity for responsible and ethical mining practices.
Molebogeng Mazibuko, Associate Vice-President of the Investment Division at Africa Finance Corporation, underscored the need for unity among stakeholders. “We must converge as a united front, rather than in a fragmented manner, to develop the battery supply chain together as Africans,” she said.
Franck Fwamba, Executive Director at RND Asbl in the DRC, called for a new approach to leveraging the country’s mineral wealth. “We need to decolonize the battery metals value chain. First, we must realistically assess the strategic metals required for our economic development. Second, diversifying our partnerships and collaborating with other African nations is crucial. The DRC can only benefit from its role in battery metal production if governments and stakeholders across the continent work together,” he noted.
In his keynote address, Kojo Busia, Executive Director of Business Development, Strategy, and ESG at Green Africa Minerals in Ghana, echoed these sentiments. “The DRC’s vast battery mineral reserves provide unmatched producer power that can positively transform the country and improve the lives of its people.”
Busia described the Forum as a strategic opportunity for uniting all mining industry stakeholders to build a sustainable battery mining and metals ecosystem in the DRC.
Samukelo Madlabane, Mining Events Director at VUKA Group, the event organizer, added that the DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum symbolizes a shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future. “We are committed to positioning the DRC as the African hub for battery metals production and manufacture. By fostering an environment conducive to investment, innovation, and collaboration, we can create a thriving battery metals industry that benefits not just the DRC but the entire African continent.”
“Our goal is to build an inclusive and equitable industry that supports broad-based sustainable growth, local beneficiation, and socio-economic development. We aim to ensure that the advantages of this industry reach all segments of society, benefiting communities and future generations,” he concluded.
