The Nordic Africa Institute

Commentary

Energy and capital needed for Zambia´s battery ambitions

The mining town of Wusakile on the Zambian Copperbelt, where industrial mining dates back a century.

The mining town of Wusakile on the Zambian Copperbelt, where industrial mining dates back a century.

Date • 13 Nov 2024

As global demand for copper and cobalt grows as part of the green transition, Zambia’s leaders want to create more value from the country’s extractive sector. Zambia shall industrialise and start making batteries instead of exporting raw minerals. However, can Zambia make the necessary investments? And will the push lead to decent jobs and contribute to the larger development agenda?