The government of Morocco plans to more than double its railway network by 2040, reaching a total of 4,410 km of routes from 2,110 km currently. According to the roadmap of the Railways National Office (ONCF), the plan is to make the sector a key component of the country’s economic growth.
In detail, the project aims for 1,100 km of high-speed lines (Marrakech-Agadir, Rabat-Fez, Casa-Marrakech, Fez-Oujda...), 1,600 km of conventional network extension (Tangier-Tetouan, Agadir-Taroudant, Oujda-Nador, Agadir-Laâyoune-Dakhla...), 100 km of port connections. Another 1,610 km of the existing network will also be improved.
In this new configuration, 12 ports (instead of 6 currently) and 15 international airports (instead of 1 currently) will be connected to the rail network. At the same time, the number of cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants that will be connected to the railway by 2040 will reach 43 compared to 23 currently. Nearly 87% of the Moroccan population will be served by the rail network compared to 51% today.
According to estimates, ONCF expects an annual market of 132 million passengers within 20 years against 38.2 million in 2019. The public company also expects an increase in freight handling, from 8.9 million tons in 2019 to 26 million tons by 2040.
This plan requires a total investment of about 375 billion dirhams ($39 billion). It is expected to generate nearly 300,000 jobs.
Romuald Ngueyap
Côte d’Ivoire traced 40% of cocoa for 2024/25 season Most cocoa remains untracked due to info...
• World Bank raises 2025 growth forecasts for Benin, Mali, Burkina, Côte d’Ivoire• Senegal and Niger...
• AfDB chief Sidi Ould Tah met BOAD president Serge Ekué in Abidjan on Aug. 30.• Talks focused on jo...
Indorama to invest $210M in Senegal phosphate sector upgrade ICS to expand fertilizer, acid ...
Africa holds 30% of key minerals for green tech. Leaders urge local processing to boost value...
Dalaroo to acquire Red Rock’s Ivorian gold assets for A$715K Deal includes seven exploration permits, pending due diligence Move follows rising...
Citrus exports via Transnet terminals up 19% in 2025 R3.4B invested to boost port efficiency, new R4B plan underway Report cites major gains in vessel...
China’s CRBC to build new oil refinery in Gabon Project aims to boost fuel supply, cut import reliance Over 20,000 jobs expected during refinery...
Mali approves ESIA for Toubani’s Kobada gold project Final permits pending; gold output targeted for 2027 $259M financing plan announced, subject...
The Great Zimbabwe National Monument stands as one of southern Africa’s most iconic archaeological sites, a silent witness to a thriving African...
African countries prepare to celebrate Intangible Cultural Heritage Day Planned events spotlight traditions, rituals, and cultural...