Q&A: Why Morocco could be Africa’s EV powerhouse

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Morocco already has a strong automotive base, with European manufacturers operating there for years. This has fostered local expertise and developed robust supply chains, which can now be redirected towards electric vehicle (EV) assembly, says Tony Tiyou, CEO of Renewables In Africa. The electric two-wheeler segment alone grew by over 70% in the first half of the year.

• There are concerns around geopolitical trade dynamics. If companies use Morocco to bypass trade barriers into EU or US markets, the country could face new tariffs. However, Tesla believes that the market has huge potential.

• Morocco is also leading in battery manufacturing. From cathodes and anodes to full battery systems, the country is producing at scale, mainly for export. This serves as a blueprint for other African countries.

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Do you believe Morocco has the right environment to support local EV assembly and manufacturing?

Mr Tiyou: Absolutely. Morocco already has a strong automotive base, with European manufacturers operating there for years. This has fostered local expertise and developed robust supply chains. These capabilities can easily be transferred to EV assembly. Moreover, there’s growing demand—especially in the electric two-wheeler segment, which grew by over 70% in the first half of the year. So yes, the environment is ideal, both in terms of market readiness and industrial capacity.

What specific policies are in place to support electric vehicle development in Morocco?

Mr Tiyou: While I’m not directly involved in policymaking, I do know the Moroccan government has introduced a suite of supportive measures. These include tax incentives, purchase subsidies, and a broader strategy to integrate renewable energy into mobility. The national vision to be carbon neutral by 2050 further aligns policy and investment. The country’s stable political environment also provides continuity and investor confidence.

How might increasing trade tariffs between the EU/US and Morocco affect green sector companies operating there?

Mr Tiyou: That’s a critical point. With ongoing trade tensions and protectionist policies, particularly involving China, there's increasing scrutiny on where products originate. If companies use Morocco as a workaround to access EU or US markets, Morocco could be targeted with new tariffs. This would inevitably impact green sector companies exporting from Morocco. Each business will need to assess its level of exposure and consider whether to absorb costs or shift strategies. These aren’t easy decisions, especially since trade policies can change with political leadership, but they must be weighed carefully.

Tesla has just opened in Morocco. What does this mean for Africa’s EV market more broadly?

Mr Tiyou: Tesla’s entry is significant; not just symbolically, but strategically. It shows that global EV brands now see Africa as a viable market. Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt have long been the main gateways for automotive investments, but now we’re seeing real movement beyond just symbolic presence. That said, I still believe the real boom in Africa will come from two-wheelers. The cost advantage, ease of use, and solutions like battery swapping make them ideal for African cities. But Tesla’s move certainly signals that things are evolving faster than many expected.

With over 50 electric two-wheeler startups in Kenya alone, do you see potential for cross-border consolidation and partnerships in Africa?

Mr Tiyou: Without a doubt. The African e-mobility sector is vibrant but fragmented. We’ve seen this with Kenya’s startup scene, which is rich in innovation but challenged by scale. Cross-border collaboration is the key to unlocking economies of scale, standardising infrastructure, and creating shared value. Companies like Spiro, operating in over 10 countries, are already proving that a pan-African approach is not only possible but profitable. Smaller players must partner or risk being left behind in what will inevitably become a more consolidated market.

What lessons can Africa learn from Morocco’s growing battery manufacturing sector?

Mr Tiyou: Morocco is showing what’s possible when a country actively nurtures industrial capacity. From cathodes and anodes to complete battery systems, they’re already producing components at scale; primarily for export. This is a blueprint for the rest of Africa. By fostering investment, knowledge transfer, and regulatory support, other African nations can begin building similar ecosystems. Battery manufacturing could become the next great frontier for value addition in Africa, moving us beyond just being a source of raw materials.

Can Africa build a sustainable battery lifecycle, including recycling and local refining, within its borders?

Mr Tiyou: I believe it can, but we need to move quickly. Countries like DRC are beginning to limit raw exports to encourage local refining, which is a smart move. However, the recycling infrastructure is still lacking. Without it, we risk creating an environmental crisis down the line, especially as solar panels and EV batteries age. We need policies that not only attract foreign direct investment in production, but also support recycling, remanufacturing, and the development of a circular economy. The skills, manpower, and resources exist; we now need the frameworks to tie it all together.