Thabo Nkosi 
Morocco is set to host Africa’s first battery gigafactory, marking a major milestone in the continent’s push toward industrial innovation and clean energy. The ambitious project, spearheaded by China’s Gotion High-Tech, is supported by an investment of $5.6 billion and promises to position Morocco as a key player in the global clean energy economy.
A Gigafactory with Global Impact
The gigafactory will be located in Kenitra, northwest Morocco, and is expected to produce 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually by 2026. Over time, production capacity could expand to 100 GWh, solidifying Morocco’s status as a significant supplier in the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy storage markets. According to Khalid Qalam, Gotion’s Moroccan director, "construction will begin soon, with earthworks already completed and production set to start in the third quarter of 2026."
The facility will manufacture batteries, cathodes, and anodes, with most of its output – approximately 85% – destined for the European Union. This aligns with the EU’s push to phase out fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035 while reducing reliance on long supply chains from Asia. Gotion will also target domestic hubs, renewable energy projects in Africa and the Middle East, and European automakers.
Job Creation and Economic Boost
The project is anticipated to create significant employment opportunities, starting with 2,300 direct jobs. Across its five development phases, this number could grow to 10,000. The first stage alone involves a $1.3 billion investment and is projected to generate 17,000 direct and indirect jobs. This initiative represents a crucial step for Morocco in diversifying its economy, which has traditionally relied on agriculture and textiles, toward high-tech manufacturing industries.
Morocco has already made strides in its automotive sector, with record exports of MAD 157 billion ($15.7 billion) in 2024, a 6.3% increase from the previous year. The gigafactory is expected to further enhance the country’s industrial prowess by integrating the production of critical materials such as cathodes and anodes, reducing its dependency on imports and ensuring greater regional supply chain security.
China’s Expanding Role in Africa
The gigafactory highlights China’s increasing economic influence in Africa. For Beijing, projects like this are part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence across the continent, not only in infrastructure but also in high-tech industries. In Morocco, companies like BTR, CNGR, Hailiang, and Shinzoom are also investing in the battery sector, reinforcing the country’s emergence as a North African hub for green technologies.
This new venture underscores China’s focus on pairing infrastructure finance with industrial projects to anchor its role in the global clean energy supply chain. By establishing Morocco as a gateway to Europe and a key partner in Africa’s development agenda, China is deepening its ties with both regions.
A Blueprint for Africa’s Future
The Morocco-China collaboration sets a precedent for how African nations can move beyond raw material exports to value-added manufacturing, especially in the clean energy sector. With the continent’s abundant natural resources, including cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo, copper in Zambia, and lithium in Zimbabwe, similar projects could enable other nations to capture more wealth from their resources, fostering sustainable and long-term economic growth.
For Morocco, the gigafactory is both a significant economic opportunity and a strategic move. The country is positioning itself as a bridge between Africa, Asia, and Europe in the rapidly growing green economy. As the global demand for batteries surges, Morocco’s investment in vertical integration and clean energy technologies could become a model for other African countries aspiring to secure a stronger place in the renewable energy revolution.
By hosting Africa’s first battery gigafactory, Morocco is taking a bold step toward becoming a leader in the clean energy economy while inspiring the continent to follow suit. This project could serve as a blueprint for transforming Africa’s resource wealth into sustainable industrial development.
