Gotion to Launch Africa's First Battery Gigafactory in Morocco
Kenitra, Morocco is set to host Africa's first battery gigafactory, with Gotion Power Morocco (GPM) beginning commissioning of production equipment during the week of October 20, 2026, according to Morocco World News, citing a comprehensive announcement from Gotion High-Tech. The development marks a landmark moment for the continent's battery industry and signals a new era of clean-energy manufacturing across North Africa, as tracked in our battery tech coverage.
Historic First for Africa and the Middle East
GPM, a subsidiary of Chinese group Gotion High-Tech, will launch what it describes as the first battery gigafactory of its kind in Africa and the Middle East. The project represents a significant milestone in global battery manufacturing, positioning Morocco as a key hub for the region's clean energy transition.
$1.3 Billion Investment and Rapid Construction Timeline
The site sits inside the Atlantic Free Zone of Kenitra and drew MAD 13 billion ($1.3 billion) in investment for its first phase. Construction began in September 2025 after earthworks, and the buildings and infrastructure of the cell plant were completed in just 13 months — a timeline that ranks the project among the fastest industrial builds internationally.
GPM president Khalid Qalam revealed that the first cell line will begin operations in October, with a second line following in November. "The startup of the equipment on October 20 is only a first step in the rollout of a unique and promising project, meant to durably structure Morocco's battery industrial ecosystem," Qalam noted, tying the plant to "the kingdom's sovereignty in the field of green energy."
20 GWh Production Target and Product Range
The first phase targets 20 GWh of cells, battery packs, and energy storage systems, plus 100,000 tons of cathode materials. The facility will produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, built from lithium, iron, and phosphate, for the automotive and energy storage sectors, serving the Moroccan market and the African continent, along with Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
Why LFP Chemistry Matters for Mass Markets
Lithium iron phosphate offers competitive costs, a long service life and high levels of robustness, making it a key technology for affordable electric mobility in the volume segment. Unlike nickel-rich chemistries, LFP cells use no cobalt, a material whose supply chains have drawn scrutiny for years, and they tolerate more charge cycles before degrading. Demand in Europe is expected to grow strongly in the coming years: forecasts suggest LFP's market share could rise from around 10 percent today to between 40 and 60 percent by 2030. At the same time, Europe currently has no relevant LFP battery production capacity of its own, which is precisely the gap the Kenitra plant and its sister projects are intended to close.
Strategic Location and Export Logistics
Morocco's position on the Strait of Gibraltar gives the Kenitra plant a natural advantage: Atlantic ports such as Tanger Med sit roughly 12,000 kilometers from Shanghai and about 3,000 kilometers from New York, shortening shipping routes to both Europe and the United States compared with Chinese export hubs. The country has also built a reputation for stable industrial policy and trade agreements that make it an attractive base for manufacturers serving multiple continents at once.
Workforce Development and Training Programs
GPM has so far recruited more than 400 Moroccan employees, including engineers, technicians, operators, and support staff.
Strategic Partnerships and Joint Ventures
The project advanced further on September 28, when Volkswagen, a Gotion High-Tech shareholder, joined the Chinese group in announcing a Kenitra joint venture for cathode materials. This venture forms part of a broader Gotion-Volkswagen plan to invest about €3.22 billion ($3.67 billion) across battery and materials projects in Europe and North Africa.
The partnership details reveal three strategic joint ventures:
- Valencia, Spain: European production hub for LFP batteries (PowerCo 51%, Gotion 49%)
- Šurany, Slovak Republic: LFP cells for EV and ESS applications (Gotion 51%, PowerCo 49%)
- Kenitra, Morocco: LFP cathode material production, prioritizing supplies to the two European battery plants (Gotion 51%, PowerCo 49%)
Volkswagen Group, through its subsidiary Volkswagen (China) Investment Co., Ltd., holds a 24.28% stake in Gotion as of September 20, making it the battery maker's largest shareholder. The companies also announced a transaction to sell 5.3% equity stake in Gotion to optimize equity structures.
International Financial Backing and Development Timeline
Financing arrived earlier in the year when the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a €100 million loan to GPM for the integrated LFP gigafactory, with plans to mobilize up to €141 million more from partners. The AfDB described a first phase of 10 GWh scaling toward 100 GWh, emphasizing the project's strategic importance for regional battery manufacturing.
Global Market Position and Sustained Growth
Gotion ranked fifth among global EV battery makers over the first seven months of 2026, with installations of 34.0 GWh, up 44.2% from a year earlier. The company's market share rose to 4.7% from 3.9%, positioning it as a key player in the rapidly expanding battery market.
According to South Korean market research firm SNE Research, Gotion's installations represent a significant portion of the global battery manufacturing capacity, with the company's rapid growth reflecting both its technological capabilities and strategic international expansion.
Logistics, Infrastructure, and Supply Chain Integration
The project relied on a logistics operation of a scale new to Moroccan industry, with several thousand containers shipped from China to move production lines and high-technology equipment to Kenitra, backed by port and customs authorities. This massive logistical undertaking underscores the project's significance for Morocco's industrial development and global supply chain integration.
Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
"The startup of the equipment on October 20 is only a first step in the rollout of a unique and promising project, meant to durably structure Morocco's battery industrial ecosystem," Qalam noted. He tied the plant to "the kingdom's sovereignty in the field of green energy."
Gotion's expansion into Morocco represents a broader trend of Chinese battery manufacturers establishing production facilities outside of China to serve regional markets and reduce supply chain risks. The company's strategic partnerships with European automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen Group highlight the growing importance of regional battery supply chains in Europe and North Africa.
The Kenitra gigafactory project marks a significant milestone in China's overseas battery manufacturing strategy, bringing advanced LFP battery technology and production expertise to Africa while creating thousands of jobs and strengthening Morocco's position in the global battery value chain.
References
[1] Morocco World News. "Gotion to Launch Morocco's First Battery Gigafactory in Kenitra the Week of October 20." October 12, 2026. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/10/341754/gotion-to-launch-moroccos-first-battery-gigafactory-in-kenitra-the-wee
[2] Volkswagen Group Press Release. "Volkswagen Group, PowerCo and Gotion deepen strategic partnership." September 28, 2026. https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/press-releases/volkswagen-group-powerco-and-gotion-deepen-strategic-partnership-20710
[3] African Development Bank Press Release. "AfDB approves €100 million loan for Gotion's integrated LFP gigafactory in Morocco." July 24, 2026. https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/afdb-approves-100-million-loan-gotion-integrated-lfp-gigafactory-morocco-62893
[4] CnEVPost. "Gotion, VW plan $3.67 billion investment in European battery supply chain." September 28, 2026. https://cnevpost.com/2026/09/28/gotion-vw-plan-investment-european-battery-chain/