[SMM Conference] Li-ION BATTERY AFRICA 2026 to Kick Off in Morocco from June 1-3 2026: Uncloking Strategic Insights amid Accelerating Global Energy Transition & Reshaping Supply Chain

Against the backdrop of accelerating global energy transition and reshaping supply chain dynamics, Africa, with its abundant critical resources such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and phosphate ore, is rapidly emerging as an indispensable strategic hub in the global battery value chain. The inaugural Africa Li-ION BATTERY Africa 2026, organized by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), will take place from June 1-3, 2026, in Marrakech, Morocco. Under the theme "Securing Supply Chains • Empowering New Technologies • Linking Europe-US Markets," the conference aims to foster dialogue among industry leaders and stakeholders.

Key Highlights

Morocco's rich resources, including vast phosphate reserves and a burgeoning battery materials base, make it an ideal location for discussions on mineral supply, material processing, and gigafactory development. The event will engage over 500 delegates from various sectors, including mining, automotive, and energy storage, providing a platform for networking and collaboration.

• Mineral Resources Segment: This segment focuses on the resource strategies for Africa's critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, graphite, and phosphate ore. Notably, Morocco, which holds the world's largest phosphate ore reserves and controls over 70% of global phosphate ore resources, is a key upstream source for high-purity phosphorus chemicals required in the production of cathode materials (such as LFP). This segment also focuses on sustainable mineral supply and pricing mechanisms to strengthen the foundation of upstream industry development;
• Battery Materials Segment: This segment focuses on innovative breakthroughs and large-scale production of key materials like cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes, exploring pathways to build localized material supply chains within Africa;
• NEV and ESS Battery Segment: In-depth analysis of how the growing demand for EVs and energy storage systems drives technological innovation, and clarify Africa's strategic role in the global supply chain.
• Battery Recycling Segment: Focus on recycling technology innovation, business model development, and circular economy frameworks to promote the transformation of waste batteries into sustainable resource streams and support the green development of the industry.

Conference Scale

Situated in Africa's lithium resource hub, Li-ION BATTERY Africa 2026 highlights mineral supply, material processing, and energy storage, engaging 500+ delegates across the global battery value chain.

Why Choose Morocco?

As a key initiative in SMM's global strategy, our selection of Morocco as the location for the inaugural Li-ION BATTERY AFRICA 2026 is based on an in-depth assessment of the country's unique strategic value. Morocco is not only a strategic hub connecting "African resources" with the "global market," but also an ideal location for the development of the lithium battery industry chain in Africa. Its advantages are reflected in the following five aspects:

I. Optimal Trade Location: A Zero-Tariff Gateway Directly Accessing the European Market

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Morocco boasts a uniquely advantageous geographical position. The country has established a broad network of free trade agreements with the European Union, the US, Turkey, and numerous Arab and African nations, creating a trade network that spans two continents. What's noteworthy is the core advantage brought by the Morocco-EU Association Agreement: according to its provisions, EVs, power batteries, and key parts produced in Morocco can enter the 27 EU member states tariff-free, provided they meet the corresponding rules of origin. This policy offers highly competitive market access advantages for enterprises investing in the battery industry chain in Morocco. As the EU strengthens localisation requirements for the NEV industry chain, Morocco's tariff advantages make it a strategic springboard for global companies entering the European market. Several producers, including internationally renowned battery companies, have already established production sites in Morocco, aiming to leverage this trade convenience to access the European market.

II. Dual Value of Resource and Market Access

From a resource perspective, Morocco possesses the world's largest phosphate ore reserves, which serve as the core raw material source for LFP cathodes. Additionally, Morocco's neighboring countries and surrounding regions are rich in key mineral resources such as cobalt, lithium, and graphite, all of which can be efficiently transported to global markets through Morocco's well-developed port and logistics network. From a market perspective, Morocco, leveraging its mature automotive industry foundation—with numerous international automakers having established production sites there—is rapidly transforming into an NEV manufacturing hub. This industrial base provides the battery industry chain with a ready customer base and a comprehensive supporting system, forming a complete industrial ecosystem.

III. Clear Industrial Ambition and Strong Policy Support

The Moroccan government has formulated a clear industrial upgrade roadmap, aiming to significantly increase the local production rate of EVs by 2030.To this end, the government has introduced a series of incentive policies, including comprehensive support measures such as tax incentives, land support, and training subsidies. Particularly noteworthy is Morocco's strategic layout in the field of new energy materials.The country is actively advancing the construction of the entire industry chain from mineral resources to battery materials, which presents abundant cooperation opportunities and broad development space for relevant upstream and downstream enterprises.

IV. Dual Guarantee for Green Manufacturing: Perfect Combination of Resources and Energy

Morocco is at the forefront of sustainable development in Africa, providing ideal conditions for the green transformation of the battery industry. The country has set clear renewable energy development targets and has completed large-scale solar and wind power projects, capable of supplying ample green electricity for battery material production. Meanwhile, Morocco is actively promoting its "green mining" strategy, committed to achieving coordinated development between mineral resource exploitation and environmental protection. This organic combination of resources and energy enables battery materials produced in Morocco to better meet the global market's demand for low-carbon products.

V. Stable and Reliable Business and Policy Environment

Morocco is one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Africa, boasting a sound financial and legal system, robust intellectual property protection, and an efficient logistics network. This stability provides predictable safeguards for international investment and long-term industrial planning, reducing operational risks for enterprises.

VI. Full Industry Chain Layout by Chinese Companies: Seizing Dual Advantages in Resources and Geography

Leading Chinese lithium battery enterprises, represented by Gotion High-tech, CNGR, BTR, and Tinci Materials, have established a comprehensive industrial chain in Morocco, spanning from upstream materials to end-user batteries. The core rationale behind this layout lies in deeply leveraging Morocco's dominant global phosphate ore resources—utilizing locally sourced core raw materials, as the country holds over 70% of the world's phosphate ore reserves, to locally process and produce key products such as LFP cathodes and electrolytes, alongside the construction of large-scale battery factories. This strategy not only achieves dual benefits of localized resource acquisition and optimized supply chain costs but also uses Morocco as a strategic springboard to efficiently serve the core European EV market, building a unique competitive barrier characterized by "resource localization + market nearshoring."

Targeted Networking - Explore the African Lithium Battery Market

Join SMM in Marrakech, a proven hub for global mining leaders. Benefit from one-on-one matchmaking and targeted negotiations with 500+ industry professionals. Maximize your brand exposure and seize early opportunities in Africa’s high-potential lithium battery sector.

Registration is now officially open, with super early bird discounts available!

Super Early Bird Ticket (25% OFF): USD 1,125/person (by January 31, 2026)

Scan the RQ Code or Click to Register

Early Bird (15% off): USD 1,275 per person (Feb 1 – Mar 31, 2026);

Standard price: USD 1,500 per person (early bird ends on April 1).

Limited seats available. Secure your spot now at the discounted rate and join us in Marrakech to explore Africa’s lithium market potential!

Booth Booking

SMM has prepared two different types of booth services for exhibitors: Standard Booth (USD 4,875), and Basic Booth (USD 3,000). Basic configurations include electricity supply, standard booth walls and reception desk (including printed graphics and basic decorations) - only for the Standard Booth, carpet, negotiation table × 1, and chairs × 2. Standard Booth also includes one conference pass and one welcome dinner ticket; for details on benefits, please contact our organizing committee.

Join us at the Li-ION BATTERY Africa 2026 in Marrakech this June to unlock global markets.

If you wish to know more abouth this conference, please reach out to Annie Chen via +86 18000212488 or anniechen@smm.cn