Casablanca – The National Office of Railways (ONCF) is gearing up for significant investments totaling approximately $1.01 billion over the next three years, from 2025 to 2027. This initiative, detailed in the report accompanying the 2025 draft finance law, highlights ONCF’s commitment to enhancing Morocco’s rail infrastructure and services.
In a structured investment plan, ONCF is set to allocate $306 million in 2025, followed by $375 million in 2026, and $327 million in 2027. The funds will primarily focus on acquiring new rolling stock, constructing maintenance workshops, and upgrading existing infrastructure, as stated in the report published on the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s website.
However, it’s important to note that this investment program does not encompass the broader railway development initiatives planned for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is estimated to cost around $8.96 billion. This ambitious plan includes several major projects, notably the extension of the high-speed rail line from Kenitra to Marrakech and the development of a regional express network serving the metropolitan areas of Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
To support these expansive projects, consultations are set to accelerate in order to establish a contract between the state and ONCF. This agreement will outline the specifics of the development plan and its financing structure.
In recent years, ONCF has already demonstrated its capacity for growth. In 2023, the organization recorded investments exceeding $116 million, with an additional $83 million invested in the first half of 2024. With a notable rise in passenger traffic—7 million more travelers in 2023 compared to the previous year—the railway operator is projecting further growth. The Al Boraq high-speed trains alone transported 5.2 million passengers in 2023, marking a 25% increase from 2022.
Looking ahead to 2024, ONCF anticipates a 4% growth in passenger numbers, expecting to surpass 5.65 million riders. In terms of freight operations, the office successfully transported over 1.75 million tonnes of goods in 2023, with phosphates accounting for half of that volume.
The railway operator is also on track to achieve an estimated $484 million in sales for 2024, reflecting an 8% increase from the previous year. Projections for subsequent years indicate continued growth, with expectations of reaching $528 million in sales in 2025, $572 million in 2026, and $623 million in 2027.
ONCF’s proactive approach to investment and development positions it well for the future, aiming to bolster Morocco’s rail network and improve service quality in anticipation of increasing demand.