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$14 Billion Invested in Morocco’s Rail Expansion After World Cup Announcement

Morocco has attracted $14 billion in investment proposals for its ambitious plan to enhance the country’s rail connectivity, as stated by African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina during the Bank’s prominent Africa Investment Forum last week.

This amount significantly surpasses the $8.8 billion target established by the National Railways Office (ONCF).

The AfDB also approved a $350 million loan to Morocco for various infrastructure projects at the forum. Furthermore, the bank is contemplating a $650 million loan to assist the nation in strengthening its infrastructure in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. This funding aims to enhance economic governance, improve water supply systems, and develop an industrial zone at the Nador West Med port.

Morocco aims to broaden its rail network to 3,800 km by 2040, increasing from approximately 2,200 km currently. According to the ONCF, this expansion plan would connect 87% of the population by rail and link 43 cities, 15 international airports, and 12 seaports.

Several initiatives to extend the existing network are already underway. The ONCF intends to invest $1 billion in acquiring new trains, modernizing current rolling stock, and constructing new maintenance facilities from 2025 to 2027.

World Cup Expansion Plans

Morocco possesses some of the finest rail infrastructure in Africa, including its only high-speed rail service, Al Boraq, which spans 320km between Tangier and Marrakesh.

A project is currently in progress to extend this line to Marrakesh via Casablanca International Airport ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Multiple Moroccan and Chinese companies have been awarded engineering contracts for this initiative.

An extension of Al Boraq services to Agadir is also being planned, further expanding the high-speed network to 1,280km.

This construction surge underscores the necessity for the nation to enhance its transportation links in anticipation of accommodating several hundred thousand visitors during the World Cup. Morocco was officially announced as a co-host of the tournament last Wednesday and intends to hold matches across six cities – Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier. The Hassan II stadium, currently in development in Casablanca, is one of three venues considered to host the final, alongside Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou.

However, in addition to the World Cup, the considerable interest from investors in Moroccan rail infrastructure highlights a favorable long-term economic outlook. The country is increasingly seizing opportunities to export energy and industrial products across the Mediterranean to the European market.

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