African Development Bank's Major Investment in Moroccan Railways
On July 9, 2026, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) convened in Abidjan and approved a significant financing package worth €205 million aimed at enhancing Morocco's railway infrastructure. This funding is specifically designated to support the critical development of the railway network and improve the operational efficiency of the national grid, particularly the key rail corridor between Kenitra and Marrakech, which accounts for a substantial volume of passenger traffic and freight transport across the kingdom.
The AfDB elaborated in its official statement that the funding will facilitate the upgrade of existing infrastructure and the extension of the high-speed rail line along this strategic corridor. This initiative is poised to enhance travel flow between major economic and urban centers, improve connectivity, and promote the adoption of more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport options. Additionally, it aims to deliver economic benefits by reducing travel times and lowering logistics costs.
According to Achraf Tarsim, the resident representative of the African Development Bank in Morocco, this project, which encompasses both the extension of the high-speed rail line and the modernization of current infrastructure, is set to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger and freight traffic. It will streamline exchanges, minimize travel durations, and bolster Morocco's logistical competitiveness, thereby reinforcing its position as a strategic bridge between Europe and Africa.
The project entails the procurement of advanced equipment for the development of railway infrastructure along the Kenitra-Marrakech corridor, as well as in the Casablanca rail hub. This includes the provision of new railway tracks and specialized equipment for both traditional and high-speed lines, with the objective of increasing the network's capacity and sustainably enhancing its performance.
Moreover, the program features a dedicated component for project management, which focuses on overseeing construction activities, monitoring progress, and assessing results and impacts, ensuring that the project is executed in line with established objectives.
The bank emphasized that this financing aligns with its strategic priorities and the national strategy document for Morocco for the period 2024-2029. It also supports the goals of the new development model and the "Railways Horizon 2040" plan aimed at modernizing and developing the national railway network.
Since 1978, the African Development Bank has allocated approximately €15 billion to finance over 150 projects and programs in Morocco, covering strategic sectors including transportation, energy, water and sanitation, agriculture, social protection, governance, and the financial sector.
As reported by africa4press.com.
