Morocco’s rail project secures $14bn funding

Alamy/Richard Avis via Reuters

Morocco’s mega railway expansion plan has attracted more than $14 billion (MAD139.8 billion) in investments from global investors, surpassing its initial funding goal of $8.8 billion, according to media reports.

The project, led by the state-run National Railways Office (ONCF), has attracted significant attention due to its strategic importance, local media said citing Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The national rail operator’s expansion strategy is part of the 2040 roadmap to modernise and expand Morocco’s rail network. 

Key components include increasing the high-speed rail network from 320km to more than 1,280km by 2040.  

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In addition, ONCF plans to develop a regional express network joining metropolitan areas such as Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech, Morocco World News reported.

For its 2025-2027 investment plan, the state entity has announced MAD9.78 billion for acquiring new rolling stock, constructing maintenance workshops for train upkeep, and maintaining and modernising existing infrastructure, the report said.  

The aim is to expand rail coverage to enable 87 percent of the country’s population to have access to the upgraded network, up from the existing 51 percent.