Morocco has garnered $14 billion in investment proposals aimed at its ambitious scheme to improve the nation’s rail connectivity, as reported by African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina during the recent Africa Investment Forum.
This investment significantly exceeds the $8.8 billion target set by the National Railways Office (ONCF).
Additionally, the AfDB approved a $350 million loan to Morocco for various infrastructure initiatives during the forum. The bank is also considering a $650 million loan to help the country bolster its infrastructure ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal. This funding is intended to enhance economic governance, upgrade water supply systems, and establish an industrial zone at the Nador West Med port.
Morocco aims to expand its rail network to 3,800 km by 2040, up from roughly 2,200 km at present. According to ONCF, this expansion plan would allow 87% of the population to access rail services and connect 43 cities, 15 international airports, and 12 seaports.
Several projects to extend the current network are already in progress. The ONCF plans to invest $1 billion in acquiring new trains, modernizing existing rolling stock, and building new maintenance facilities from 2025 to 2027.
World Cup Expansion Plans
Morocco boasts some of the premier rail infrastructure in Africa, featuring its sole high-speed rail service, Al Boraq, which covers a distance of 320km between Tangier and Marrakesh.
A project is underway to extend this line to Marrakesh via Casablanca International Airport in preparation for the 2030 World Cup. Several Moroccan and Chinese firms have secured engineering contracts for this venture.
Plans are also in place to extend Al Boraq services to Agadir, thereby enlarging the high-speed network to 1,280km.
This construction boom highlights the urgent need for the country to improve its transportation links to accommodate several hundred thousand visitors during the World Cup. Morocco was officially named a co-host of the tournament last Wednesday, with matches planned to take place in six cities: Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier. The Hassan II stadium, currently under development in Casablanca, is one of three venues shortlisted to host the final, alongside Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou.
Moreover, beyond the World Cup, the substantial interest from investors in Moroccan rail infrastructure indicates a positive long-term economic outlook. The country is increasingly capitalizing on opportunities to export energy and industrial goods across the Mediterranean to the European market.
