Casablanca – Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Business has confirmed that Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), a leading Spanish rail manufacturer, has won a contract to supply 40 next-generation intercity trains to Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF). This decision follows a competitive bidding process aimed at modernizing the country’s rail network.
According to official Spanish sources, the deal is being financed through a bilateral financial agreement between Spain and Morocco. The Moroccan Ministry of Economy and Finance has secured a loan exceeding $810 million from the Spanish government’s Fund for the Internationalization of Enterprises (FIEM) to support the project.
With this contract, CAF will deliver its first-ever trains to Morocco, designed for speeds of up to 200 km/h, ensuring a more efficient and comfortable travel experience between major cities.
Boosting local and international rail industries
CAF’s involvement is expected to generate new employment opportunities in Spain, particularly in its manufacturing plants, while also contributing to the development of Morocco’s growing railway sector.
The initiative is part of Morocco’s broader rail expansion strategy, which aligns with its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The country has been actively enhancing its transportation infrastructure, recently awarding:
- Alstom (France) a contract for 18 high-speed trains (TGVs)
- Hyundai Rotem (South Korea) a contract for 110 regional rapid transit trains (RERs)
Financial and Economic Impact
The financing agreement for this project was officially signed between Spain’s Official Credit Institute (ICO) and ONCF, with Morocco providing a sovereign guarantee for the loan.
In line with Spain’s global business expansion strategy, Spanish Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla recently visited Morocco to explore investment opportunities and participate in discussions on World Cup-related infrastructure projects.
The Spanish government views this contract as a milestone in strengthening economic ties with Morocco, emphasizing their commitment to modernizing the country’s railway sector.
Morocco’s role as a hub for Spanish investment
Morocco remains Spain’s top investment destination in Africa, with Spanish businesses investing around $2.16 billion in the country and creating over 27,600 jobs.
More than 350 Spanish companies operate in Morocco across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, automotive components, banking, and technology. With major transport projects underway, Spanish firms are set to play an even greater role in Morocco’s economic development in the coming years.
