Morocco emerges as cobalt leader in MENA region

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Morocco has become the leading consumer and manufacturer of cobalt-based products, according to IndexBox, Moroccan media reports.

The mineral is a key component in lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, electronic devices and store green energy.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the world’s top source of cobalt, producing over 70% of global supply but it is also sourced in Morocco at the Bou Azzer mine in the Anti-Atlas mountains.

In 2024, Morocco imported 1,200 tons of cobalt—representing 86% of all cobalt imports in the MENA region, according to the report. The kingdom now reportedly controls about 90% of the region’s cobalt production and consumption.

This dominance supports Morocco’s national strategy to position itself as a hub for green energy and the automotive industry.

Today, Morocco stands as Africa’s largest producer of electric vehicles and batteries, bolstered by substantial investments from both Chinese and European automakers.