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Powering the Future: Morocco Lands Africa’s First $5.6B Battery Gigafactory

Morocco has taken a historic step in Africa’s clean energy journey with the launch of the continent’s first battery gigafactory, backed by a $5.6 billion investment from China’s Gotion High-Tech.

The facility, set in Kenitra, will initially deliver 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery production annually by 2026, with plans to expand to 100 GWh over five phases. At full capacity, Morocco will rank among the world’s leading suppliers of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage.

Jobs, value chains, and exports

The first stage of the project will create 2,300 direct jobs, rising to 10,000 across later phases. Beyond employment, Morocco gains a foothold in advanced manufacturing: unlike simple assembly, the gigafactory will produce cathodes and anodes—critical components in the global battery value chain.

For Morocco’s auto industry, which has already surpassed India, Japan, and China as the EU’s top exporter of vehicles, this facility provides a decisive advantage. Roughly 85% of its output will serve European automakers, helping the EU meet its 2035 ban on new fossil-fuel cars while reducing reliance on long Asian supply routes.

Why it matters for Africa

The project signals a wider shift: Africa is moving from exporting raw materials to capturing more value through local processing and manufacturing. For resource-rich countries such as the DRC (cobalt), Zambia (copper), and Zimbabwe (lithium), Morocco’s model offers a blueprint for how industrialization and clean energy can advance hand-in-hand.

China’s role and strategic significance

The gigafactory also reflects China’s deepening economic footprint in Africa. Gotion joins several other Chinese players investing in Morocco’s green tech sector, strengthening the country’s role as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and Asia in the global clean energy race.

Article written by Martin Kamania - Chief Operations Officer (COO) Email: martin@afeze.africa