Casablanca – Morocco is preparing to host a major industrial project in the electric mobility sector as a Chinese manufacturer moves forward with plans to build a large electric vehicle battery factory in the country, reinforcing its position within global automotive supply chains.

The project, led by the battery technology group Gotion High-Tech, involves the construction of a large-scale manufacturing complex in the city of Kenitra. The initiative represents one of the most significant investments in Morocco’s emerging electric vehicle ecosystem and is expected to strengthen the country’s role in the global transition toward cleaner mobility.

The factory will initially be developed with an investment estimated at about $1.32 billion, marking the first stage of a long-term industrial program aimed at building an integrated battery production hub in Morocco. Once fully developed, the total investment associated with the project could reach around $6.7 billion, reflecting the scale and strategic importance of the initiative.

According to information released during the signing of the investment agreement in 2024, the project is designed to go beyond simple battery assembly. The facility is expected to include advanced production lines dedicated to the manufacturing of battery cells, which are the core component of electric vehicle batteries.

The initial phase of the project will focus on establishing the main industrial infrastructure and launching battery cell production with an estimated capacity of around 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh). Over time, the production capacity could expand significantly, reaching approximately 100 GWh annually once the complex reaches full operational capacity.

Such output would place the Kenitra facility among the largest battery manufacturing plants in the Mediterranean region and could allow Morocco to play a more prominent role in supplying battery components for electric vehicles produced both locally and internationally.

The choice of Kenitra as the project’s location reflects the city’s growing importance within Morocco’s automotive industry. Over the past decade, the area has developed into a key industrial hub thanks to the presence of large vehicle manufacturing plants and an expanding network of suppliers and component producers.

This industrial ecosystem has made Morocco one of Africa’s leading automotive manufacturing centers, with vehicles and components exported to numerous international markets. The new battery factory is expected to further integrate the country into the evolving global value chain for electric mobility technologies.

Logistical advantages have also contributed to the project’s location. Kenitra’s proximity to the Tanger Med port — one of the largest maritime logistics platforms in the Mediterranean — offers efficient access to European markets. This connectivity allows manufacturers to export vehicles, components, and batteries quickly while maintaining competitive transportation costs.

The investment also aligns with broader industrial developments linked to battery production in Morocco. In recent years, several initiatives have emerged to support the manufacturing of battery materials, particularly in industrial zones connected to the country’s mining and chemical sectors.

One of the key strategic elements behind this development is Morocco’s large phosphate reserves. These resources can be used in the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries, a technology widely used in electric vehicles due to its safety, durability, and cost efficiency. The development of battery-related industries therefore provides an opportunity to increase the value of locally available raw materials while supporting the growth of new industrial activities.

Analysts also point to wider geopolitical and economic factors encouraging international battery manufacturers to expand production outside traditional industrial centers. Rising global demand for electric vehicles and evolving trade policies in major markets have encouraged companies to diversify their manufacturing locations and bring production closer to key export destinations.

In this context, Morocco has increasingly attracted interest from foreign investors thanks to a combination of factors, including political stability, modern infrastructure, and trade agreements with major economic partners. These agreements provide locally manufactured products with preferential access to large consumer markets, particularly in Europe.

Recent industry assessments indicate that the country has become one of the most attractive destinations for automotive-related investments in the Middle East and North Africa region. The establishment of new battery production facilities is expected to reinforce this position while supporting Morocco’s long-term industrial diversification strategy.

Beyond its industrial impact, the project is also expected to contribute to job creation and technology transfer. Large manufacturing complexes of this type typically require a wide range of skills, including engineering, advanced manufacturing, research, and logistics, which could support the development of specialized training and industrial expertise within the country.

As global demand for electric vehicles continues to expand, the development of battery production capacity is becoming a key element of the automotive industry’s transformation. By hosting a large-scale battery manufacturing project, Morocco is seeking to position itself as a strategic industrial platform within this rapidly evolving sector.