The DRC, a world leader in cobalt, is preparing to launch its first lithium-ion battery precursor plant in the Musompo Special Economic Zone (SEZ), financed by Afreximbank with over USD 200 million. This priority project, approved by the Council of Ministers on February 20, 2026, aims to process strategic minerals locally and attract USD 2 billion in private investment across 900 hectares.
Context of the Musompo Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
Located in the mining province of Lualaba, the heart of the “copper triangle” with 70% of global cobalt production, the Musompo SEZ saw its development work launched in March 2025. Recently resized by an inter-ministerial mission, it will primarily house a unit producing chemical precursors (nickel-manganese-cobalt powders, NMC) essential for the cathodes of electric vehicle batteries. In the long term, complete battery production and automotive assembly are envisioned.
Secure financing and accelerated timeline
The government has secured funding from Afreximbank, enabling the rapid development of the site and the establishment of the first industrial companies. A roadmap outlines the steps: basic infrastructure, a stable power supply, and tax incentives to attract private partners from China, the United States, and Europe, who are already in negotiations. The authorities anticipate imminent implementation following approval of the resized zone.
Challenges for Local Transformation
With the potential for 25,000 direct and 60,000 indirect jobs, this industrial hub aligns with the value-added strategy for critical minerals, moving away from raw exports that offer little benefit to the national economy. It addresses the explosive global demand for batteries (a market projected to reach USD 7 trillion by 2035), positioning the DRC as an African hub to compete with China. The project potentially extends to Greater Katanga via cross-border Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with Zambia.
Key Energy Challenge
Success hinges on a reliable electricity supply: Lualaba has 847 MW of installed capacity (88% availability by 2023), but 17 ongoing projects aim to double this capacity to support industrialization. Without this, energy-intensive precursor plants risk costly outages.
International Partnerships on the Horizon
Kinshasa is banking on a strategic US-DRC partnership for secure, non-exclusive supply chains, while also engaging in dialogue with Beijing and Johannesburg. Actors like Glencore and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) have supported this idea since 2022, seeing the proximity of the mines as a unique competitive advantage.
This integrated mega-project will boost tax revenues through royalties and industrial taxes, while training a skilled workforce for Industry 4.0.
Prospects: From Ambition to Reality
With financing secured and the roadmap launched, Musompo could become the first link in an African battery sector, transforming the cobalt kingdom into an industrial powerhouse. The challenge remains rapid implementation and exemplary governance to attract global investment.
