LEONI launches first african plant in Morocco with $66 million investment

Morocco’s automotive industry has attracted a new strategic investment as Leoni Morocco investment plans move forward with the launch of LEONI Cable Solutions’ first manufacturing facility in Africa. The German automotive supplier will invest MAD 630 million, equivalent to nearly $67 million, in a new production site dedicated to advanced automotive cables for next-generation vehicles.

The project was officially launched at the Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra. The future plant will manufacture single-core and multi-core automotive cables, alongside data transmission cables designed for connected and increasingly digital vehicles.

The new facility will occupy a 48,000-square-meter site. It will include 18,000 square meters of industrial and office infrastructure, while an additional 9,000 square meters has been reserved for future expansion. The project marks LEONI Cable Solutions’ first industrial operation in Africa and strengthens Morocco’s position as a preferred destination for high-value automotive manufacturing investments.

Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour said the investment supports Morocco’s strategy of developing advanced industrial sectors linked to future mobility technologies. He noted that the factory’s focus on next-generation vehicle components reflects the country’s ambition to expand technology-driven manufacturing and reinforce local expertise.

Mezzour also described LEONI’s decision as a strong endorsement of Morocco’s industrial ecosystem. He said the company’s choice of Morocco for its first African investment demonstrates confidence in the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities and confirms the growing competitiveness of its manufacturing platform within the global automotive sector.

The facility is expected to support the automotive industry’s transition toward connected, automated, and data-intensive vehicles. It will also strengthen Morocco’s role as an exporter of sophisticated automotive components to international markets.

According to the company, the site will include a laboratory dedicated to testing and quality control to ensure compliance with international automotive standards. LEONI will also introduce a knowledge-transfer program managed by specialists from Germany and Turkey to train Moroccan employees in advanced manufacturing techniques and quality management processes.

Hicham Hannioui, President of LEONI Cable Solutions, said the investment represents a key step in the company’s international expansion strategy. He emphasized that the project will build on Morocco’s skilled workforce while helping local teams develop expertise through the transfer of industrial knowledge from across the group’s global operations.

The company believes the new factory will improve its ability to serve automotive suppliers worldwide while contributing to the continued modernization of Morocco’s automotive industry.

Sustainability is also a central element of the project. LEONI plans to integrate photovoltaic systems and use predominantly mineral and recyclable materials to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Markus Thoma, Chief Executive Officer of LEONI Cable Solutions, said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, partnership, and sustainable growth. He described Morocco as a major hub for automotive suppliers and reaffirmed LEONI’s intention to expand its collaboration with Moroccan partners.

The project further strengthens economic relations between Morocco and Germany and adds to the growing presence of international automotive manufacturers investing in one of Africa’s leading automotive production centers.