By Estea Rademeyer.
Megamillion, a leading force in Africa’s lithium-ion battery value chain since 2018, has announced a landmark joint-venture partnership with Dr. Henry Mao, renowned as the “Father of Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing in China.” This collaboration will establish Giga-Africa 1, the first battery gigafactory on the continent, marking a transformative milestone for Africa’s energy and manufacturing sectors.
With a mission to localize the entire lithium-ion battery value chain, Megamillion is committed to “energizing Africa for its own benefit first.” The partnership with Dr. Mao, a pioneer in the global battery industry, brings unparalleled expertise to this initiative.
A Legacy of Innovation
Dr. Mao, an esteemed electrochemist with a doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, has been at the forefront of battery innovation for over three decades. He holds 182 patents in lithium-ion battery technologies, including a groundbreaking 1993 patent on Functional Electrolyte Technology, a foundation of today’s global Li-ion battery industry.
His career includes co-founding Tianjin LiShen Battery in 1997, China’s first large-scale producer of 18650 lithium-ion cells, which now boasts an annual production capacity of 31GWh. He also served as CTO and COO of Shenzhen BAK, a top-10 global battery manufacturer, and later founded Suzhou YouLion Battery, further advancing large-scale battery production. Now, with Giga-Africa 1, Dr. Mao brings his expertise to Africa’s emerging energy sector.
Building Africa’s Battery Industry
Giga-Africa 1 will launch with an initial 1 GWh annual production capacity, scaling to 32 GWh upon full completion. The facility will produce batteries for both stationary energy storage and mobility applications, addressing critical energy needs across the continent.
As part of the joint venture, Dr. Mao will transfer cutting-edge technology, equipment, and skilled personnel to South Africa in a phased approach. Initially, dry cells will be manufactured in China, with electrolyte filling and final processing in South Africa. Over time, the entire production process will be localized, ensuring a fully self-sufficient operation.
“This strategic approach minimizes risk while rapidly developing local capabilities,” says Nechan Naicker, Founder and CEO of Megamillion. “Battery gigafactories require significant expertise, as seen in the challenges faced by startups in Europe. With Dr. Mao’s leadership, we are building a sustainable, long-term business model, fully integrated with Africa’s battery mineral supply chain.”
Empowering Africa’s Energy Future
Africa faces a pressing need for reliable, affordable energy. According to the UN Sustainable Development Group, nearly 600 million people—almost half the continent’s population—lack access to electricity. While solar and wind energy are critical, battery storage is essential to ensure stable and affordable power.
By localizing battery production, Megamillion aims to shift Africa from an extractive to a manufacturing economy, reducing dependence on imported battery products. The initiative will create thousands of jobs and lay the foundation for industries such as electric vehicle manufacturing, positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainable energy.
“This is an opportunity for African nations to create enabling environments for their own battery industries,” says Naicker. “Megamillion is ready to partner with stakeholders across the continent to establish Africa as a world-class battery powerhouse.”
Dr. Mao shares this vision: “I was inspired to help Megamillion make a difference in Africa, just as I did in China. To be frank, I am super excited to be part of Giga-Africa.”
Naicker concludes, “Our vision of manufacturing lithium-ion cells and electrodes on African soil is finally becoming a reality. With Dr. Mao’s experience and leadership, we are not just building a factory—we are shaping the future of Africa’s energy independence. Africa’s time has come.”