Morocco is stepping into history books as the first African nation to host a battery gigafactory, thanks to a massive $5.6bn investment deal with Chinese giant Gotion High-Tech. The plant, set to rise in Kenitra, northwest Morocco, is expected to kick off production by the third quarter of 2026 with an initial capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours — enough to power thousands of electric vehicles. The long-term goal is even more ambitious: hitting 100 GWh and becoming a central supplier to Europe’s growing EV market.
Officials describe the deal as one of the largest industrial investments ever seen on the continent. Beyond clean energy, it promises a huge economic lift, with around 17,000 direct and indirect jobs expected from the project’s first phase alone, valued at $1.3bn. The factory will also make critical components like cathodes and anodes, reducing dependence on imports and securing Morocco’s place in the global battery supply chain.
With 85 percent of its output marked for Europe, the gigafactory places Morocco right at the heart of the clean energy race. Its location — bridging Africa and Europe — and its strong trade agreements make it a natural hub for high-tech industries. For Rabat, this is not just about batteries, but about retaining skilled talent, building global partnerships, and repositioning its economy beyond agriculture and textiles.
China’s role in Morocco’s industrial growth is also deepening. Gotion High-Tech joins a wave of other Chinese companies investing in battery materials across the country. Analysts say this bold move highlights how African nations can leverage global alliances to carve out a serious stake in the future of green technology, just as Europe prepares to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
Morocco is stepping into history books as the first African nation to host a battery gigafactory, thanks to a massive $5.6bn investment deal with Chinese giant Gotion High-Tech. The plant, set to rise in Kenitra, northwest Morocco, is expected to kick off production by the third quarter of 2026 with an initial capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours — enough to power thousands of electric vehicles. The long-term goal is even more ambitious: hitting 100 GWh and becoming a central supplier to Europe’s growing EV market.
Officials describe the deal as one of the largest industrial investments ever seen on the continent. Beyond clean energy, it promises a huge economic lift, with around 17,000 direct and indirect jobs expected from the project’s first phase alone, valued at $1.3bn. The factory will also make critical components like cathodes and anodes, reducing dependence on imports and securing Morocco’s place in the global battery supply chain.
With 85 percent of its output marked for Europe, the gigafactory places Morocco right at the heart of the clean energy race. Its location — bridging Africa and Europe — and its strong trade agreements make it a natural hub for high-tech industries. For Rabat, this is not just about batteries, but about retaining skilled talent, building global partnerships, and repositioning its economy beyond agriculture and textiles.
China’s role in Morocco’s industrial growth is also deepening. Gotion High-Tech joins a wave of other Chinese companies investing in battery materials across the country. Analysts say this bold move highlights how African nations can leverage global alliances to carve out a serious stake in the future of green technology, just as Europe prepares to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
