Sino-Moroccan joint venture COBCO has commenced production of nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and precursor cathode (pCAM) materials for lithium-ion batteries at its new plant in Jorf Lasfar. It strengthens Morocco’s position in the global EV battery supply chain and supports the localisation of key components for electrification.
The plant, first announced in 2023, has initially begun production of two critical components used in lithium-ion batteries: nickel-manganese-cobalt precursors and cathode materials. These components form the heart of energy storage systems, both in electric vehicles and stationary applications.
According to Reuters, which cites a source close to the project, the site will ultimately reach an annual production capacity of 70 GWh—enough to equip up to one million electric vehicles per year. In detail, the facility targets an output of 120,000 tonnes of NMC precursors and 60,000 tonnes of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathodes annually. While LFP production has not yet begun, COBCO noted that this capacity will come online “as soon as a regional LFP battery ecosystem emerges.”
The €1.8 billion facility is operated by COBCO, a partnership between Moroccan investment fund Al Mada and China’s CNGR Advanced Materials. Located 125 kilometres south of Casablanca, the site spans more than 200 hectares and represents a significant step in Morocco’s ambitions to become a hub for the EV battery value chain, thanks to its proximity to Europe, established automotive manufacturing base, and access to key raw materials including cobalt and phosphates.
The start of production marks the first operational phase of a broader strategy to anchor EV battery production in North Africa. Morocco already hosts vehicle assembly plants from Renault and Stellantis and, according to Reuters, reported a record 157 billion dirhams (about €15 billion) in automotive exports in 2024—a 6.3% increase year-on-year.
Beyond COBCO, several other Chinese companies have committed to battery material production in Morocco. Gotion High Tech is constructing Africa’s first gigafactory in the country, a $6.5 billion investment with operations expected to begin in Q3 2026, while BTR New Material Group is planning cathode production in the same region.
reuters.com, 7news.ma
