Morocco sets bold course to lead green mobility revolution in Africa

Morocco has unveiled an ambitious green mobility strategy aimed at positioning itself as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) production. The announcement was made by Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, during the opening ceremony of the Green Impact Expo & Summit in Casablanca.

Speaking to a captivated audience, Mezzour revealed Morocco’s groundbreaking goal; to join the elite group of five to six nations globally with end-to-end electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities. “From raw materials like phosphate and cobalt to final vehicle assembly, Morocco will lead the Euro-African region in EV production,” Mezzour said. “This is not a 10-year or 20-year vision; it begins next year and is already underway.”

A Complete EV Ecosystem

Mezzour emphasised Morocco’s unique position in building a full EV supply chain. The country aims to process phosphate and cobalt—key components for lithium-ion batteries—locally, and manufacture all battery elements, including the anode, separator, electrolyte, cell, and module. This strategic move is expected to triple Morocco’s exports by 2030-2032, while establishing it as a hub for sustainable mobility.

“This will make Morocco the only country in the Euro-African region capable of producing EVs from mine to car,” Mezzour added, reinforcing the nation’s ambition to lead Africa and Europe in the transition to green mobility.

Public Transportation Overhaul

In line with the country’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the government announced a large-scale initiative to modernise public transport with electric buses. A total of 7,000 electric buses are set to be procured, with an initial tender for 1,300 vehicles already underway.

While the initial phase includes 30 electric buses, Mezzour assured that at least half of the remaining fleet will be electric. Plans are also in place to produce 400-kilowatt urban electric buses domestically. These buses, priced between $180,000 and $200,000, could revolutionize urban transit across Morocco.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The minister highlighted the broader impact of Morocco’s green mobility strategy on both the economy and the environment. With these initiatives, Morocco is expected to become a key player in the global EV market, significantly reducing carbon emissions while driving export growth.

“This vision aligns with Morocco’s commitment to a zero-carbon future, ensuring sustainable growth for generations to come,” Mezzour concluded.

A Vision Rooted in Action

Morocco’s green mobility plan reflects its broader commitment to a green transition, supported by international funding. Recently, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) granted Morocco €13.6 million to accelerate green initiatives in mining and beyond.

With its ambitious goals and strategic investments, Morocco is not only setting the stage for sustainable mobility but also inspiring other nations in Africa and Europe to follow suit. The journey from phosphate mines to electric vehicles symbolizes a bold leap toward a cleaner, greener future.

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