UN trains 140 executives from 25 African countries in electric mobility
Until June 14, 2024, executives from public transport, scientific research and pan-African administrations from 25 countries are being trained in mechanisms for promoting electric mobility. The program is organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), with multilateral support from China.
Officials from the Ministries of Transport and Energy, agents from public utilities and university researchers from 25 African countries are currently taking part in a virtual training course on Sharing Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage Technology (EST) for sustainable development in Africa.Africa are currently taking part in a virtual training course on Sharing Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage Technology (EST) for sustainable development in Africa. The initiative is piloted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Over a two-week period, these players will learn about recharging facilities, network security, energy storage, standards and initiatives relating to electric vehicles, the transport system and the environment.lectric vehicles, the electric public transport system, heavy transport vehicles and value chains, electric agricultural vehicles (tractors) and battery reliability. These modules were prepared jointly by specialists from the Energy Research Institute of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and Chinese equipment manufacturer NR Electric, among others.
Why China? Because the Middle Kingdom is home to a plethora of electric vehicle manufacturing plants, including those of carmakers Dongfeng Motor and Build Your Dreams (BYD), which are collaborating with assembly start-ups in East Africa. Chinese expertise in the manufacture, maintenance and export of electric cars should inspire African countries looking to diversify their vehicle fleets.
Electric mobility to accelerate the energy transition
Beyond these online workshops, the CEA is above all seeking to create optimal conditions for Sino-African cooperation in the field of electromobility. And Liu Xiaoming, Counsellor of China's diplomatic mission to the African Union (AU), has clearly understood this, hammering home the phrases "experience sharing, technology transfer and partnerships between our companies". The training course, which ends on June 14, 2024, is supported by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) and the African Power Utilities Association (APUA).
These institutions are at the forefront of the energy transition on the African continent, and will therefore support the 140 learners in developing a pan-African platform for sharing between research and development (R&D) centers, manufacturers and electric mobility stakeholders. Until this becomes a reality, all eyes have been on Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2023, when they signed a $39 million agreement to create a joint value chain for electric vehicles. The two border countries plan to develop their cobalt reserves, an essential metal in the energy transition due to its high energy storage capacity.
Source: www.afrik21.africa