Morocco’s new US$670M tire factory could change Africa’s farm equipment supply

MOROCCO – A new tire factory in Driouch, Morocco, that will make millions of tires each year could ease a long-standing supply problem for farmers and equipment dealers across Africa.

The plant, financed at about US$670 million, aims to begin operations in early 2027 and make up to 18 million tires annually soon after.

For years, African dealers have ordered tires from Asia or Europe. Long wait times and added transport costs made replacements expensive and unpredictable for tractors, harvesters, and other farm machines. Dealers say this has slowed repairs and driven up costs for farmers.

“Farmers often wait six to eight weeks for tire imports,” said James Omondi, an equipment consultant. “Morocco’s plant could cut that wait and cut prices.”

The new facility sits near Nador West-Med Port. That gives it shorter shipping routes to West and North African markets. Tires could arrive in days instead of weeks, dealers report.

Dealers in Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya have noted steady growth in tractor sales. This trend adds urgency to the need for reliable parts. Currently, dealers must stock extra tires or wait on imports that can cost 30 to 40 percent more in shipping and fees.

“We need parts on hand so we can serve farmers without delay,” said one East African dealer who asked not to be named. “Local supply will improve service and reduce cost.”

The plant’s location also gives access to trade agreements with several African countries and the European Union. These terms may keep tire prices low against imports.

Local tire options for local conditions

Imported tires are often built for soil and weather in Europe or North America. Africa’s soils range from soft loam to heavy clay. Many regions have long dry seasons and hot ground temperatures that strain tires. Dealers and engineers say having local production could give options that better suit these conditions.

“We need tires that match our fields and roads,” said a Moroccan engineer involved in materials research. “Local plants can work with dealers to explore those needs.”

The tire plant adds to Morocco’s growing machine and auto parts industry. Some equipment makers are already talking about additional assembly work in the country. If more parts and machines are made closer to farmers, the cost and time of delivery may drop further.

Farm equipment dealers are updating their planning to make room for faster parts delivery and stronger service teams.

Morocco’s tire plant starts making passenger tires first. But many in the African farming supply chain hope it will begin supplying a full range of agricultural tires soon after.

“Faster parts supply and lower cost will help everyone,” said Omondi. “That is good for farmers, dealers, and the whole sector.”

Dealers and manufacturers interested in partnerships should contact Goldensun Tire Morocco or Morocco’s industrial agencies.

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