Morocco’s industry and trade minister Ryad Mezzour has said the government is in talks to attract more electric battery makers.

It is looking to adapt its growing automotive sectors to an increasing demand for EVs, Mr Mezzour told Reuters.

Previously he had targeted annual production of one million vehicles by 2027 at the latest, Verdict reports.

Africa is tipped to become the batteries next big export market, with GlobalData analysis expecting that Morocco will account for 80% of battery demand by 2035. The highest battery demand will come from to the automotive sector.

Morocco is already to home to Stellantis and Renault.

In 2022 Stellantis announced it had made an investment of over €300 million in its Kenitra manufacturing facility, which intended to double local production capacity and introduce a “smart car” platform to serve the commercial ambition of reaching more than 22% market share in the region by 2030.

At the time of the investment announcement, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said: “Stellantis’ global ambition will benefit from the strong development pace of the Middle East and Africa region that aims at contributing to creating a third engine for Stellantis, in addition to North America and Europe.”

Last week Chinese electric battery maker BTR New Material Group was given the go ahead to build a factory near Tangier, Reuters reports.

Another Chinese manufacturer CNGR Advanced Material is expected to build a cathode facility 100km south of Casablanca.