Date: 2 June 2026
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, Zambia (Hybrid Event)
About the Event
Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs) such as copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel, and rare earth elements are central to the global transition toward low-carbon technologies, including electric mobility, battery storage, and renewable energy systems. The SADC region hosts significant reserves of these minerals, presenting opportunities for industrialization, regional value addition, sustainable job creation, and inclusive economic transformation.
However, the development of CETM value chains in the region faces several challenges, including limited beneficiation capacity, gaps in environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance, weak integration with local economies, and uneven regional coordination.
To support responsible and inclusive CETM value chain development, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), together with regional and international partners, is implementing a five-year project entitled:
“Fostering Environmentally and Socially Responsible, Decarbonized, Inclusive and Transformative Value Chains for Critical Energy Transition Minerals in the SADC Region.”
The project is financed by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and is being implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
To officially mark the commencement of the implementation phase, ECA will convene this launch event on 2 June 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia. The event will provide a platform to present the project roadmap, strengthen coordination among stakeholders, and enhance awareness and ownership of the initiative across the region.
Objectives
The main objective of the launch event is to officially inaugurate the implementation phase of the regional CETM value chains project and strengthen stakeholder engagement, coordination, and ownership.
Specifically, the event aims to:
- Present the overall project scope, objectives, and key results of the preparatory phase.
- Introduce the planned activities and expected outcomes for the implementation period 2026–2031.
- Provide a platform for stakeholders to offer guidance and national perspectives to ensure alignment with country priorities.
- Strengthen coordination and partnerships among Member States, regional organizations, private sector actors, civil society, and implementing partners.
- Ensure visibility and awareness of the project as implementation begins.
Expected Outputs
- Documented high-level reflections from Member States, the Steering Group, and regional partners on priorities and alignment.
- Agreement among key stakeholders on immediate next steps, including communication, coordination mechanisms, and follow-up actions.
- A launch report summarizing key messages, discussions, and agreed actions.
Expected Outcomes
- Strengthened ownership of the project among Member States and regional stakeholders.
- Improved alignment of project objectives with national and regional priorities on CETMs, industrialization, and sustainable development.
- Increased stakeholder awareness and support for the project’s approach to ESG integration, decarbonization, and inclusive value chain development.
- Enhanced visibility and support for BMUKN/IKI financing and the project’s contribution to climate action and sustainable economic transformation in the SADC region.
Participants
The launch event will bring together:
- Representatives of consortium members, including AUC-AMDC, WITS Enterprise, WWF Germany and partners, BGR, and Projekt Consult GmbH.
- Members of the Steering Group, including the SADC Secretariat, Zukunft–Umwelt–Gesellschaft (ZUG), and representatives of Ministries of Mines from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Representatives from BMUKN, the United Nations Resident Coordinators’ Offices in participating countries, and the UN Development Coordination Office.
- Private sector representatives, including mining and mineral-processing companies and industry associations such as MIASA.
- Civil society organizations, academia, and research institutions.
- Representatives of women, youth, and persons with disabilities engaged in CETM value chains.
Venue
The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia.
Facilities will be provided for virtual participation for delegates unable to travel to Lusaka.
Contact Information
For media inquiries:
Busani Bafana
Communications Consultant
ECA Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: busani.bafana@gmail.com
Lavender Degre
Communications Officer
ECA Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: lavender.degre@un.org
Further information and queries on the meeting and related matters should be addressed to:
Godfridah Sitali
Project Management Assistant
ECA Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
Email: Godfridah.sitali@un.org