In Morocco, preparations are in full swing as the country approaches the operational launch of Africa's inaugural battery manufacturing facility. This significant development is poised to enhance the energy transition and development plans within both the local and regional markets. The factory, which is being developed by the Chinese group Gotion High-Tech through its subsidiary Gotion Power Morocco, carries global significance, marking a notable advancement in battery production in the continent.
As the company finalizes preparations for the anticipated factory launch in the coastal city of Kenitra, updates from the specialized energy platform based in Washington indicate that the project is nearing its operational phase. The journey towards establishing this factory began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023, and the development milestones have progressed steadily over the past three years, culminating in the factory's imminent opening.
Operational Timeline for Africa's First Battery Plant
The battery manufacturing plant in Kenitra is expected to commence operations by the end of the current summer season, as reported by PV Magazine. Gotion Power Morocco is currently taking the final operational steps to receive the green light for the factory's launch. The operational plan is structured in phases, with the initial stage targeting a production capacity of 10 gigawatt-hours annually, which is set to gradually increase to 100 gigawatt-hours.
This initiative aligns with Morocco's industrial strategy and its ongoing energy transition journey, focusing on expanding clean technologies and industries. According to Khalid Qalam, a representative from Gotion Power Morocco, the majority of the batteries produced will be dedicated to supporting the electric transport market, particularly in vehicle manufacturing within Morocco and southern Europe. The operational strategy for the Kenitra plant complements the regional manufacturing chain, reinforcing Morocco's position in the electric vehicle supply chain.
Details of the Battery Plant in Kenitra
The Chinese group's Kenitra facility will specialize in the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries, employing advanced techniques that integrate the cathode directly into the battery cells. This method not only reduces costs but also enhances safety, providing a more efficient alternative compared to nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries. The project's formal framework was established three years ago with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding focused on battery production for the automotive and electricity storage sectors.
Estimated at approximately 65 billion Moroccan dirhams (around 6.98 billion USD), the project recently secured a loan of 100 million euros (approximately 115.1 million USD) from the African Development Bank, which is also aiming to secure an additional 141 million euros through various funding sources. The factory is projected to create around 2,300 direct job opportunities during its initial operational phase, with the potential to expand this number to 10,000 as production ramps up.
The collaborative efforts between China and Morocco have led to the project's timely completion. In September 2025, Khalid Qalam expressed optimism about commencing production in the third quarter of the year, highlighting that the output will include batteries and essential components such as electrodes.
As reported by attaqa.net.
