Morocco's Ambitious Railway Expansion Plans
Morocco is actively seeking $8.8 billion in funding to expand its railway network, as announced by the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina. This announcement came after the conclusion of the three-day Africa Investment Forum held in Rabat, where it was revealed that investor interest has surpassed the initial funding goal, with offers exceeding $13 billion. The African Development Bank, in collaboration with various financial institutions, is committed to supporting major development projects across Africa, including Morocco's railway initiative.
The Moroccan government, through its National Railways Office, is set to invest approximately 87 billion dirhams (around $8.7 billion) in the railway sector over the coming years. This investment will facilitate the construction of 1,300 kilometers of new high-speed train lines and 3,300 kilometers of regular train lines, effectively expanding connectivity from 23 to 43 cities across the nation.
In addition to the expansion of rail lines, Moroccan Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh announced plans for a new factory dedicated to manufacturing train carriages. This factory aims to meet domestic demand and provide exports to other African nations, further enhancing Morocco's position in the regional transport sector. The initiative follows the successful launch of Morocco's first high-speed train, Al Boraq, in November 2018, which connects Tangier and Casablanca, marking a significant milestone in African railway development.
