Morocco Poised to Become Major Lithium-Ion Battery Producer, Says Renowned Scientist

"Morocco can become a major producer of lithium-ion batteries, even against Asian countries, especially China, the world leader in this field," Rachid Yazami said in an interview with Maroc Hebdo, before highlighting the assets the kingdom has. He mentions in particular the raw material resources such as cobalt and phosphate which are essential in the manufacture of batteries as well as the presence of automotive giants such as Renault and Stellantis, which will soon move from thermal to electric vehicles. The Moroccan scientist also presented the competitive advantages that Morocco offers: "First, Morocco has signed free trade agreements that allow it to benefit from preferential access to the European, American and West African markets, among others, without having to pay customs duties. This strengthens the competitiveness of companies established in Morocco and opens up opportunities for international investments and partnerships."

Rachid Yazami added that Morocco also has a skilled and competitive workforce, as well as relatively low labor costs. "Finally, Morocco offers a favorable business environment, with encouraging government policies and investment incentives," he added, also recalling the measures put in place by the kingdom to attract foreign investment, facilitate administrative procedures and promote innovation and research and development.

These assets are behind the launch of several electric battery factory projects in Morocco, which the Moroccan scientist finds "wonderful." "It is an important step for the industrialization and electrification of the country. Since 2014, I have been advocating for the establishment of a ’gigafactory’ in Morocco," he said, also mentioning the current project between the Moroccan government and the Chinese producer Gotion High Energy. This is a "promising" project, said the Moroccan researcher, although he pointed out that "the lack of lithium reserves is a challenge, but Morocco can overcome this obstacle through imports."