Morocco is set to mark an industrial milestone on the African continent by hosting the first “Gigafactory” for batteries in the city of Kenitra, backed by significant Chinese investment led by Gotion High-Tech amounting to approximately $5.6 billion.
Preparatory works for the factory, which is aimed at producing 20 gigawatt-hours annually by 2026, have commenced, with plans for an expansion to 100 gigawatt-hours. This venture is expected to create around 2,300 jobs initially, eventually rising to 10,000 positions.
Production will cater primarily to the European market, especially for automobile manufacturers like Renault and Stellantis, in addition to energy storage markets in Africa and the Middle East, which are rich in renewable energies. The factory will manufacture batteries and their key components, including positive and negative electrodes.
This investment represents a significant leap for Morocco in its efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its presence in advanced industries, moving away from traditional reliance on agriculture and textiles. It will also strengthen regional supply chains and provide the Kingdom with a competitive edge amid increasing global demand for batteries.
This initiative comes at a time when Moroccan automotive exports reached 157 billion dirhams in 2024, with 85% directed towards the European Union, which is preparing to ban fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2035.
For China, the project is a strategic step to boost its industrial presence in Africa, with companies expanding investments in energy, infrastructure, and ports. Alongside Gotion, other firms such as BTR, CNGR, Hailiang, and Shinzoom are investing in Morocco, positioning the Kingdom as a promising regional hub for green technology.
For Africa, the factory exemplifies a shift from exporting raw materials to integrated industrial production that creates added value, particularly in mineral-rich countries like the Congo (cobalt), Zambia (copper), and Zimbabwe (lithium).
Thus, Morocco is solidifying its status as an economic bridge between Africa, Europe, and Asia in the clean energy sector, enhancing its role in job creation, technology transfer, and asserting the continent’s presence in future global industries.
