Zambia energy storage charging vehicle purchase

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.

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.

Why is Zambia partnering with DRC to produce car batteries?

Zambia has advanced its manufacturing sector with potential to produce car batteries. For this reason, the southern Africa country has sought for a partnership with its neighbour DRC to boost their mining and manufacturing sectors to be able to take advantage of the global demand for cobalt and lithium-ion batteries.

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 can local content opportunities improve the value chain in Zambia?

The identification and exploitation of the various local content opportunities will help deepen the domestic footprint of the value chain in Zambia and ensure that linkages are developed and strengthened as the value chain evolves.