Casablanca – Morocco has taken a major step in positioning itself as a key player in the global green energy transition, following the formal launch of a large-scale lithium refining project by South Korea’s LG Energy Solution and China’s Yahua Group. Announced during the 8th session of the National Investment Commission, the initiative has been granted the status of a strategic investment project, confirming the government’s strong backing and long-term commitment to building an advanced electric battery industry.

A $567 million strategic investment

With an initial investment exceeding $567 million, the project aims to establish a state-of-the-art lithium refining plant in Morocco, marking a significant milestone in the country’s industrialization strategy focused on clean technologies. The lithium refining process is a critical upstream step in the global supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and the decision by two global industry leaders—LG Energy Solution, a prominent energy storage solutions provider, and Yahua Group, a Chinese lithium specialist—underlines Morocco’s rising strategic importance in the green tech sector.

The project is expected to generate over 430 direct high-skilled jobs, with broader ripple effects on the national economy through the creation of specialized logistics, research and development (R&D), and technical training programs. The initiative is not only an employment generator but also a catalyst for the formation of a national industrial cluster focused on battery materials—a first of its kind in Morocco.

Government support and strategic vision

The lithium project is closely aligned with Morocco’s national energy and industrial policies, particularly the Royal Vision to transform the country into a reference platform for renewable energy and green mobility. As part of this strategy, the government is actively supporting high-value investments that contribute to technological sovereignty, economic diversification, and sustainable development.

To support this project, the Moroccan government is offering a range of measures including facilitated access to land, administrative support, and integration into national logistics networks. The strategic project status also allows the investors to benefit from accelerated procedures and tailored support services, designed to ensure smooth execution and successful long-term operation.

Building a lithium ecosystem

This lithium refining plant represents more than a standalone industrial investment. It is a foundational element in Morocco’s ambition to build a complete lithium ecosystem, from raw material processing to battery component manufacturing. This comes at a time when global demand for electric batteries is soaring, fueled by the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market and stricter climate policies worldwide.

Morocco’s first lithium-ion battery materials production plant, recently inaugurated in Jorf Lasfar by COBCO, further illustrates this momentum. With an annual production capacity of 70 GWh, the facility is capable of supplying batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, significantly contributing to the global clean mobility transition.

Together, these projects are transforming Morocco into an emerging industrial and logistical hub for electric battery production—a positioning that offers long-term strategic advantages not only for the domestic economy but also for international partners seeking to secure their supply chains in a volatile geopolitical context.

Strategic location and international partnerships

Morocco’s geographic location, industrial infrastructure, and trade agreements provide significant leverage in attracting international investors in the energy and technology sectors. The country offers proximity to European, African, and Middle Eastern markets, along with access to renewable energy sources and a growing skilled labor force. The partnership with LG and Yahua is a strong endorsement of Morocco’s potential to host advanced industrial activities and meet global sustainability standards.

The entry of these two global leaders into the Moroccan industrial landscape is expected to attract additional investment from complementary sectors, including EV manufacturing, chemical processing, and energy storage. It will also open up opportunities for technology transfer, academic collaboration, and local innovation.

Outlook

In a world rapidly shifting toward carbon neutrality and green energy, Morocco’s proactive stance in securing a role in the electric battery value chain is both timely and strategic. The LG–Yahua lithium project signals the beginning of a new industrial era for the Kingdom—one based on innovation, sustainability, and high added value.

With strong political will, an attractive investment environment, and a clear roadmap for the future, Morocco is well on its way to becoming a regional powerhouse in green technologies, particularly in the fields of electric mobility and energy storage. As the global demand for clean energy solutions continues to grow, Morocco’s bold move into lithium refining is likely to place it at the heart of tomorrow’s energy economy.