COBCO, a joint venture between Morocco’s Al Mada investment fund and China’s CNGR Advanced Materials, has commenced production of lithium-ion battery components at its facility in Jorf Lasfar, 125 kilometres south of Casablanca, the company announced on Wednesday.
The plant’s initial production phase includes nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and precursor cathode materials (pCAM), using nickel, cobalt, and manganese — all key ingredients for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and stationary energy storage systems. According to a source close to the project, the site aims to reach a total annual capacity equivalent to 70 gigawatt-hours, which could support battery production for approximately one million vehicles.
COBCO said it also plans to produce lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathodes once a regional ecosystem for LFP batteries is established. The facility is targeting an annual output of 120,000 tonnes of NMC precursors and 60,000 tonnes of LFP cathodes.
The launch marks a significant step in Morocco’s ambitions to become a regional hub for the EV battery supply chain. The country’s strategic location near Europe, access to key resources like cobalt and phosphates, and a robust automotive manufacturing base make it an attractive destination for international battery makers.
Several Chinese companies have already announced investments in Morocco’s battery sector. Gotion High Tech is building Africa’s first battery gigafactory in the country, with a $6.5 billion project slated to begin production in the third quarter of 2026. Other Chinese firms — including Hailiang, Shinzoom, and BTR New Material Group — also plan to establish production facilities near Tangier for copper, anodes, and cathodes respectively.
Morocco is home to major vehicle production plants operated by Stellantis and Renault. The country reported a 6.3% increase in automotive exports in 2024, reaching a record 157 billion dirhams ($17 billion), official data shows.