21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Tesla opens first African subsidiary in Morocco, begins continent-wide expansion
Tesla has officially opened its first African office in Casablanca, Morocco, marking a strategic milestone in the company's global expansion plans.
Tesla has inaugurated its first African office in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of its global expansion strategy.
Operations include vehicle importation, sales, servicing, clean-energy solution distribution, and charging infrastructure management.
Tesla's leadership combines global expertise and local operational knowledge, emphasizing a tailored ecosystem approach.
The newly established subsidiary, Tesla Morocco, was legally incorporated on May 27, 2025, with an initial capital of MAD 27.5 million (approximately USD 2.75 million).
Located in the high-end Crystal Tower at Casablanca Marina, the office signals Tesla's long-term commitment to Morocco as both a regional hub and an entry point into the African market.
Prior to this move, Tesla had quietly laid the groundwork for its North African presence, having installed hybrid superchargers in Casablanca and Tangier in 2021. The network has since expanded to additional cities including Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh, and Agadir.
Tesla Morocco will oversee a wide range of operations, including vehicle importation, sales, servicing, and charging infrastructure. In addition to its automotive focus, the subsidiary will handle distribution of Tesla's clean-energy solutions such as solar panels, battery storage systems, and energy network services.
The office will also provide after-sales support, technical assistance, and staff training, indicating Tesla's intention to deliver a fully integrated ecosystem tailored to local needs.
Why Morocco? Tesla's strategic bet on Africa's renewable future
The subsidiary is jointly managed by Rafael Arqueza Martin and Shahin Oliver Khorshidpanah, with backing from Tesla International B.V. and Tesla Motors Netherlands B.V. The leadership structure highlights the company's strategy of combining global expertise with on-the-ground operational efficiency.
Tesla's decision to anchor its African operations in Morocco reflects the country's growing appeal as a clean-energy and automotive hub.
With an expanding renewable energy sector, an established car manufacturing industry, and progressive investment policies, Morocco offers Tesla a strong foundation for long-term growth. The move also aligns with Morocco's broader ambition to achieve carbon neutrality and foster high-tech economic development.
In April 2025, Tesla Chairman Elon Musk confirmed plans to build a factory near Kenitra. The plant is expected to follow the consolidation of Tesla's distribution and retail network, using Morocco as a springboard for further continental expansion.
With the Casablanca office now operational, Tesla has made its first concrete step into the African landscape offering a glimpse into a future where electric mobility and clean energy converge across the continent.
