Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon Collins Nzovu Launches First Ever Electronic Vehicle In Zambia

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon Collins Nzovu has launched the first ever electronic vehicle in Zambia.

Hon Nzovu said during the unveiling at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Country Offices that the electric car by CRS signifies another milestone towards the actualization of the goal to shift to a cleaner and more energy-efficient Zambia.

He explained that this development is the future of the auto industry as the world is moving away from fossil fuels propelled motor vehicles to electric vehicles and Zambia cannot afford to remain behind.

“This entails that increased use of electric vehicles will lead to a reduction of Zambia’s greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the attainment of the emission reduction ambition articulated in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Accord,” Hon Nzovu said.

The minister added that the launch of the electric car fits into the government’s aspiration of transitioning Zambia into a climate-resilient and inclusive green economy.

“A key part of the electric vehicle is the battery and I am sure you are all aware that in April this year, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a historical cooperation agreement to facilitate the joint development of an electric battery value chain,” he said.

Hon Nzovu said this means that in a few years’ time, electric vehicle batteries and battery precursors will be manufactured in Zambia and this will spur the development of the electric vehicles industry in Zambia and
create thousands of jobs.

Small and Medium Enterprise Minister Hon Elias Mubanga said everyone should get into science so that charging ports are set up in bars, restaurants and swimming pools among other places.
Hon Mubanga said these were opportunities that Zambians should take advantage of as employment was not just about white-collar jobs.

Meanwhile, CRS Zambia Country Representative John Shumlansky said the launch of the electric vehicle by CRC Zambia was testimony to the importance that the organization attaches to the fight against climate change and is in line with the Zambian government’s climate change mitigation policy.

ISSUED BY: THE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
MINISTRY OF GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT