Morocco is set to become a central player in the global clean energy transition following an agreement with China’s Gotion High-Tech to build Africa’s first battery gigafactory.
Backed by an investment of US $6.5bn, the project will transform the North African kingdom into a major supplier of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, cementing its role as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and Asia in the fast-growing green economy.
The facility, located in Kenitra, northwest Morocco, is strategically positioned near the country’s automotive hubs where Renault and Stellantis already operate. Construction is underway, with production expected to begin in Q3 2026. The plant’s first phase will deliver 20 GWh annually enough to power hundreds of thousands of EVs. At full scale, capacity could reach 100 GWh, placing Morocco among the world’s top battery producers.
Unlike many assembly-only plants, the gigafactory will manufacture critical electrode materials such as cathodes and anodes, ensuring vertical integration. This reduces Morocco’s reliance on imports, strengthens supply chain security, and enhances its competitiveness in global markets. The initial US $1.3bn stage alone is expected to generate 17,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the five development phases will eventually employ more than 10,000 workers directly.
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Economic benefits
According to Khalid Qalam, Gotion’s Moroccan director, earthworks have been completed and construction is accelerating. “This is not just about production capacity,” he said. “It’s about building an entire value chain in Morocco that serves Europe, Africa, and beyond.”
For Morocco, the project marks a decisive shift from traditional industries such as agriculture and textiles toward high-tech manufacturing. The automotive sector already leads the country’s exports, generating a record US $15.7bn in 2024 and surpassing China, Japan, and India as the EU’s top automotive supplier. With Europe preparing to ban new fossil fuel cars by 2035, Morocco is uniquely positioned to supply batteries to the European market. Around 85% of the plant’s output will be exported to the EU, offering the bloc a reliable and geographically closer alternative to Asian supply chains.
Beyond Europe, the factory will also target renewable energy storage markets in Africa and the Middle East—regions with vast solar potential of over 300 sunny days a year. The initiative highlights China’s expanding industrial footprint in Africa, pairing infrastructure and industrial investments to shape the global clean energy supply chain. Alongside Gotion, other Chinese firms; BTR, CNGR, Hailiang, and Shinzoom are also investing in Morocco’s battery sector, reinforcing its position as a green technology hub for North Africa.
The project carries broader continental significance. By hosting Africa’s first gigafactory, Morocco is demonstrating how countries can move beyond being mere exporters of raw minerals to becoming manufacturers of advanced technologies. If replicated in resource-rich nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (cobalt), Zambia (copper), and Zimbabwe (lithium), the model could help Africa capture far more value from its natural wealth.
Ultimately, the Morocco–China partnership represents both economic opportunity and geopolitical strategy. It underscores Morocco’s ambition to serve as a gateway to Europe while aligning with global efforts to accelerate the energy transition. As demand for EVs and renewable energy storage grows, the Kenitra gigafactory could well serve as a blueprint for Africa’s industrial future, showcasing how international cooperation can drive job creation, technology transfer, and long-term sustainable growth.