downtoearth-subscribe

Strengthening Africa’s role in the battery and electric vehicle value chain

As the world reboots its economies from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to adopt an economic development model that lessens environmental, climate and disaster risks and one where social and economic benefits are inclusive. At the core of the recovery and in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement, is the clean energy transition to drive economies. This involves uptake of technologies that reduce emissions such as wind and solar energy and less of fossil fuel-based technologies. Whilst clean energy and decarbonizing international investment and finance seem to be dominating the development discourse, what is less talked about is the minerals, including rare earth minerals, metals and construction materials needed for this to happen.