A coalition of Civil Society Organisations dedicated to advocating for transparency and accountability in the extractive sector, Publish What You Pay (PWYP), emphasises that transparency and role harmonisation are crucial for the effective implementation of the Electric Vehicle Initiative. The Governments of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced the establishment of the Electric Vehicle (EV) battery Council in April 2023.
However, PWYP Zambia National Chairperson, Joseph Chewe, raises concerns about the limited information available regarding the Council’s work, terms of reference, tenure of office, reporting structure, and other accountability-related matters. While recognising the joint venture between the Republic of Zambia and the DRC as a positive step in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the USA in December 2022, Mr. Chewe stresses the need for increased transparency.
Mr. Chewe acknowledges that the MOU aims to foster cooperation and support between the United States and both countries in developing a sustainable value chain for the electric vehicle battery sector. Despite this positive initiative, PWYP expresses concern about the lack of transparency and insufficient role harmonization among implementing agencies, especially key ministries.
The coalition states that the success of this initiative holds the potential to shape Zambia’s role in the global mineral value chain and, more importantly, how the country’s mineral resources can contribute to combating inequality and poverty.
