Gotion High Tech gigafactory in Kenitra to start exports in 2026 – minister

The $1.3 billion gigafactory to be built by EV battery maker Gotion High Tech will start production in 2026 and will export 85% of its output, Moroccan minister in charge of investment Mohcine Jazouli said.

The Moroccan government and Sino-European Gotion High Tech signed an investment deal for the plant which will be located in Kenitra, starting with a capacity of 20 gigawatts per hour and eventual capacity of 120 gwh, said Jazouli.

The investment is the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East and is conducive to Morocco’s push to be a leader in EV battery manufacturing.

The plant is also part of Morocco’s plan to attract 50 billion dollars in high added value investments between 2022 and 2026 with a potential to create 500,000 jobs.

Despite fierce competition, Morocco attracted this major investment thanks to its assets, including political stability, geographic location, investment-friendly climate, and skilled labor force.

Morocco’s free trade agreements also offer access to major markets further encouraging EV battery makers to set up plants in the country.

Gotion’s investment is the largest in the EV battery field in Morocco, where other Chinese manufacturers have already announced big plans.

In May, Chinese auto battery manufacturers Hailiang and Shinzoom announced two separate plans to produce copper and anodes respectively for a combined total nearing 1 billion dollars in Tanger Tech.

In April, BTR New Material Group signed a deal with the Moroccan government to set up a cathodes plant, critical to EV battery manufacturing.

In September last year, CNGR Advanced Materials partnered with Moroccan private investment fund Al Mada to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Jorf Lasfar worth 2 billion dollars.

Besides phosphates, Morocco is rich with cobalt, a critical requirement in EV battery manufacturing.