ReElement Technologies partners with Afrivolt to develop Africa’s battery ecosystem

METALS refining and recycling company ReElement Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Afrivolt to support the development of the country’s regional and global lithium-ion battery supply chains.

Under the agreement, the partners will focus on establishing a comprehensive closed-loop lithium battery and electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem within Africa. It will use locally mined critical minerals that will be refined and purified by ReElement Technologies Africa and its subsidiaries.

South African energy storage company Afrivolt, which recently rebranded from Aqora, is working to deliver a lithium-ion cell gigafactory and the MoU is designed to evolve into a comprehensive offtake agreement for ReElement Technologies to support the operation of African gigafactories.

The partners will also support the build out of an African critical minerals ecosystem by collaborating with local institutions to cultivate the necessary skills pipeline to provide high-skilled labour for the next generation of African industry and manufacturing.

Ben Kincaid, CEO of ReElement Technologies Africa, said: “Collaborating with Afrivolt is a testament to our commitment to drive innovation and sustainability in Africa’s battery industry. Through ReElement Africa, we are dedicated to empowering local economies and making global supply chains more resilient.”

Deshan Naidoo, managing director of Afrivolt, said: "This strategic alliance serves as a vital conduit, channelling essential technology and capital. In doing so, it not only catalyses the evolution of the African battery value chain, but also marks a transformative shift, ensuring that the continent transcends its perceived role as a mere minerals scratch patch for the globe."