"China embraces Morocco's ambition" to invest in a "huge" battery factory.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea - Follow-ups: Morocco is witnessing a strategic transformation in the energy and industry sector, with a massive Chinese investment of $5.6 billion to build the first giant battery factory in the African continent. The project, led by the Chinese giant Gotion High-Tech, represents a qualitative step in developing Africa's role in the clean energy and electric vehicle industry, and places Morocco on the global innovation map, according to the "Le Ravi" website. The factory is located in Kenitra, northwest of Morocco, and production is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026. The production capacity of the first phase will be 20 gigawatt hours per year, enough to supply thousands of electric vehicles, with a plan to reach 100 gigawatt hours in the future. This project is also one of the largest industrial projects in Africa, and includes a first-phase investment of $1.3 billion, providing approximately 17,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, giving Morocco a strong boost towards diversifying its economy and achieving sustainable development away from the traditional dependence on agriculture and textiles. A unique project that achieves industrial independence The factory goes beyond simply assembling batteries, to include the production of vital materials such as cathodes and anodes, which enhances Morocco's independence in the supply chain and reduces costs. It is also expected that about 85% of the production will be exported to the European Union, which reduces dependence on Asian markets and shortens supply lines, making Morocco an advanced industrial center serving one of the largest markets in the world. The project's roadmap allows for gradual growth, with future expansion and securing new contracts, which is crucial in the rapidly changing energy sector, and confirms Morocco's ambition to take a leading position in the battery and clean energy industry. The geopolitical and economic dimension Experts mentioned that this project goes beyond economic dimensions to become an important geopolitical element. Morocco's strategic location at the crossroads between Africa and Europe makes it a gateway for trade and technology, while the factory consolidates Morocco's position as a reliable partner in the green transition at the continental and global levels. According to analysts, the project enhances Morocco's ability to localize skilled competencies, reduces dependence on traditional sectors, and opens the door for broader economic and trade cooperation with the European Union and the United States, placing the country at the forefront of global industrial and energy transformations. This is not the first time that China has invested in Moroccan industry, but the $5.6 billion project represents a qualitative leap in the level of investment and technology. Other Chinese companies such as BTR, CNGR, Hailiang, and Shinzoom are participating in battery production, at a time when Europe is preparing to switch to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. This partnership also provides jobs, technology transfer, and industrial diversification, making it a model for international cooperation that achieves tangible benefits for both parties and enhances Morocco's role as a major player in the global energy revolution. Morocco is a model for African development The factory represents a strategic opportunity for Morocco to demonstrate how African countries can harness their resources and infrastructure to achieve sustainable development, enhance their industrial independence, and contribute to the global clean energy economy. The project confirms that international cooperation based on vision and common interest is capable of creating historical transformations that move countries to new levels of industrial and technological power.