Casablanca – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved approximately $241 million in financing for Morocco to support the expansion of the country’s high-speed rail network and the modernization of railway infrastructure along one of its busiest transport corridors, reinforcing long-term efforts to improve mobility, logistics, and regional connectivity.

The financing, approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors on July 8, will fund the Rail Infrastructure Development Support Project (PADIF), which focuses on strengthening the Kenitra–Marrakech railway corridor. The route is one of Morocco’s most important rail links, carrying a significant share of the country’s passenger and freight traffic while connecting several of its largest economic and urban centers.

According to the African Development Bank, the project combines the extension of Morocco’s high-speed rail line with the modernization of the conventional railway network along the same corridor. The investment is intended to increase network capacity, improve operational efficiency, and support rising demand for rail transport as passenger numbers and freight volumes continue to grow.

The project forms part of Morocco’s broader strategy to expand and modernize its railway system while promoting rail as a more efficient and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. By improving travel between major cities, the initiative is expected to shorten journey times, enhance service reliability, and strengthen links between industrial, commercial, and population centers.

Beyond passenger transportation, the investment is also expected to improve freight movement by increasing the corridor’s operational capacity and reducing logistics costs. Officials expect these improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency and strengthen Morocco’s competitiveness as a regional logistics platform connecting Europe and Africa.

The modernization program includes the acquisition and installation of new railway equipment for both the conventional rail network and the high-speed system. Planned works include the supply of new rails, track switches, and other infrastructure components designed to increase capacity and improve the long-term operational performance of the railway corridor.

In addition to upgrades along the Kenitra–Marrakech route, the project also includes modernization works around the Casablanca railway hub, which serves as the country’s principal rail interchange and a key junction for both passenger and freight services. Improvements in this area are expected to support smoother operations across the wider national railway network.

The financing package also includes a project management component aimed at ensuring efficient implementation. This element covers engineering supervision, construction management, monitoring, and evaluation of project outcomes to help ensure that the investment is delivered according to schedule and achieves its intended operational and economic objectives.

The African Development Bank said the project supports the development of resilient and sustainable transport infrastructure while aligning with its strategic priorities for Morocco. It is also consistent with the Bank’s 2024–2029 Country Strategy for the country and supports Morocco’s New Development Model as well as the national Rail 2040 strategy, which seeks to modernize and expand the railway network over the coming years.

The railway investment comes as Morocco accelerates infrastructure development ahead of future growth in passenger demand and freight activity. The country has announced a broader railway investment program valued at approximately $10 billion, aimed at expanding both high-speed and conventional rail services, strengthening urban and intercity connectivity, and increasing the overall capacity of the national rail system.

A major component of that long-term program is the extension of the high-speed rail line from Kenitra to Marrakech, creating a corridor of approximately 430 kilometers that will pass through Rabat and Casablanca before reaching Marrakech. Once completed, the extension will significantly expand Morocco’s high-speed rail network, which currently connects Tangier and Kenitra.

The railway expansion is also expected to support Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Modernizing transport infrastructure has become one of the government’s priorities as it seeks to improve mobility for residents and visitors while creating lasting economic benefits beyond the tournament.

Rail transport has become an increasingly important component of Morocco’s national infrastructure strategy as authorities seek to reduce road congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the efficiency of passenger and freight movement. Expanding high-speed rail and strengthening conventional railway infrastructure are viewed as complementary measures that can accommodate future transport demand while supporting environmental objectives.

The African Development Bank noted that the latest financing is expected to contribute to more sustainable mobility by encouraging greater use of rail transport, which generally produces lower emissions than road transport. At the same time, reducing travel times and logistics costs is expected to improve productivity for businesses and strengthen regional economic integration.

The new financing also reflects the long-standing partnership between Morocco and the African Development Bank. Since 1978, the Bank has provided nearly $17.6 billion in financing for more than 150 projects and programs across the country. Its investments have supported a broad range of sectors, including transport, energy, water and sanitation, agriculture, social protection, governance, and financial services.

The railway project follows another major infrastructure financing agreement announced this week, under which the European Investment Bank approved approximately $429 million to support improvements to Morocco’s road and railway networks. Together, the two financing packages highlight continued international support for the country’s long-term infrastructure modernization strategy.

As implementation moves forward, the PADIF project is expected to improve the performance of one of Morocco’s busiest railway corridors, increase the resilience and capacity of the national rail network, and strengthen the country’s role as a transport and logistics gateway linking Europe with Africa. The investment also reflects the growing emphasis on rail infrastructure as a driver of economic development, sustainable mobility, and regional connectivity over the coming decades.