Global electric vehicle sales reached a record 6.6 million units in 2021, accounting for 10% of total vehicle sales and straining supply chains for battery minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper.
Mineral Demand Surge ¶
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that 16.5 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide in 2021, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) facing heightened pressure to meet rising demand for critical battery materials. The DRC produces 68% of global cobalt and 1.8 million tonnes of copper annually, making it a key supplier for the EV industry.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has worsened supply chain challenges, driving up prices for copper, cobalt, nickel, and lithium. DRC's mineral exports account for 91% of its total exports and 36% of GDP, creating both economic opportunities and risks.
Africa's EV Adoption Lag ¶
Despite global growth, Africa sold just 5,000 electric vehicles in 2021—0.5% of regional vehicle sales. The IEA cited affordability as a major barrier, recommending focus on two- and three-wheelers and urban buses for cost-effective electrification.
East African nations are advancing e-mobility initiatives. Rwanda plans $900 million in EV charging infrastructure and offers a 15% corporate tax rate for e-mobility companies. Kenya aims for 5% of imported vehicles to be electric by 2025, while Uganda's Kiira Motors launched the region's first electric buses in 2016.
