President Félix Tshisekedi began a three-day visit to Hungary on September 29, 202. According to the DRC presidency, his trip will include political discussions, as Hungary currently holds the presidency of the Council of Europe. Observers believe this could be an opportunity for the DRC to ask Hungary to speak out against "Rwandan aggression" in the eastern part of the country.

The visit will also focus on economic matters. "To bolster their partnership, Hungary and the DRC will sign economic cooperation agreements in priority sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and energy production in the DRC," stated the Congolese presidency.

Tshisekedi is with several ministers, including the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Hydraulic Resources, as well as executives from the Congolese lithium company. The Congolese leader will also visit Hungarian industries, especially those involved in technological innovation.

While it's unclear if lithium battery production is a main focus of Tshisekedi's agenda, Hungary has valuable experience to share in this area. In recent years, the European nation has become a leading producer of lithium batteries. 

The DRC aims to build a value chain around resources linked to the energy transition, such as lithium. The African country has recently established a Battery Council to develop conditions for producing essential components for electric mobility.

Georges Auréole Bamba