The Sino-European group GOTION High-Tech, with Volkswagen as a major shareholder, is about to build the first electric battery gigafactory in the Middle East and Africa.
The state-of-the-art facility, to be located in Kenitra, Morocco, represents an investment of 12.8 billion dirhams ($1.3 billion) and promises to create 17,000 jobs.
The announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Rabat on June 6, presided over by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
The strategic investment agreement, ratified by senior Moroccan officials and GOTION High-Tech executives, marks the beginning of a comprehensive industrial ecosystem for the production of electric batteries in Morocco.
“This project is a monumental step for Morocco and places us at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution in the region,” announced Prime Minister Akhannouch. “It underscores the confidence that international investors have in the potential of our country.”
The gigafactory in Kenitra will have an initial production capacity of 20 GWh, with plans to expand to 100 GWh and a total investment of 65 billion dirhams ($6.8 billion).
This first phase alone will create 17,000 jobs, including 2,300 highly qualified positions, providing a significant boost to the Moroccan labor market and technical expertise.
The choice of GOTION High-Tech for Morocco highlights the country’s growing appeal as a strategic investment hub, especially in high-value-added sectors.
The company, which has already established gigafactories in Europe, the United States, and Asia, aims to tap into the emerging electric vehicle market by leveraging Morocco’s strategic location and industrial capabilities.
Over the past two decades, Morocco has steadily built a reputation as a major player in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
The new gigafactory is expected to further integrate Morocco into global value chains and strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable industrial development.
Several senior Moroccan officials attended the signing ceremony, including the Minister of the Interior; Abdelouafi Laftit, the Minister of Economy and Finance; Nadia Fettah, and the Minister of Industry and Trade; Ryad Mezzour, along with the President of GOTION High-Tech; Zhen Li.
MOROCCO WORLD NEWS
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