Maghreb Edition

Morocco to pour $3 billion on high-speed trains ahead of World Cup 2030F

Posted On 7 March 2025

Number of times this article was read : 6081

Morocco is moving full steam ahead with its high-speed train projects ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will cohost along with Spain and Portugal. A total of 168 trains will be brought from Spain, France and South Korea, in a large size infrastructure project valued at nearly $3 billion.

Benefiting from improved diplomatic relations with Paris, Morocco received a French government financing package worth 781 million euros to bring rail service to Marrakesh with high-speed double-decker trains. The money, which will be released in the form of a loan, will be used to procure 18 high-speed trains manufactured by French firm Alstom. Morocco already has a high-speed line lining Tangier to Kenitra. The project will allow the extension of the system beyond Kenitra to Marrakech and Agadir.

Seeking to compete for the project, the Spanish government also approved last month (February) a similar soft loan of more than 750 million euros to support Morocco’s purchase of trains to benefit the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF).

Three foreign companies will lead this large infrastructure development project. Beside France’s Alstom, which will deliver 18 high-speed trains, according to ONCF, Spain’s CAF will sell 40 intercity trains and
South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem will supply 110 urban trains.

 

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Spies, Lies, and a Border Overrun: Morocco’s Bad Week✓

Morocco is facing scrutiny on two fronts this summer: a corroborated investigation alleging systematic use of Pegasus spyware against journalists and foreign officials, and a fresh migrant surge into Ceuta that echoes the 2021 border crisis. Both developments draw scrutiny of Morocco from European governments and beyond, each for different reasons — one a question of covert surveillance, the other of border management under pressure.

Algeria is Experiencing a Severe Wildfire Crisis✓

Algeria has recorded 1,619 fires since a heat wave began July 8, including 538 forest fires and six deaths, with 53 blazes still active as of July 22. Officials are calling the outbreaks “sixth-generation” fires — fast-moving and unusually difficult to control.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.