The African Development Bank (AfDB) has made a significant commitment to Morocco by approving a financing package of €205 million on July 8, 2026. This funding aims to support the expansion of the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line, which is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2029. The decision was reached during a board meeting held in Abidjan, the headquarters of the AfDB, where the institution's governing body validated this crucial financial assistance for Morocco.
Key Highlights of the Funding
This financing is part of the Infrastructure Development Support Project (PADIF), which specifically targets the extension of the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed line. The project, spanning approximately 430 kilometers, will connect Kénitra to Marrakech and is integral to a broader national railway program estimated at 96 billion dirhams (about €8.8 billion). The overall cost of the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail project is projected to be around 53 billion dirhams (approximately €4.8 billion), a substantial investment that reflects Morocco's commitment to enhancing its transport infrastructure.
The initiation of construction for this line was marked by a ceremony led by King Mohammed VI on April 24, 2025. The AfDB's financial injection is set to facilitate the procurement of new tracks and railway equipment, which will benefit both conventional and high-speed services, with a particular focus on improving the Casablanca rail hub.
The Importance of the Kénitra-Marrakech Corridor
The Kénitra-Marrakech section is a vital segment of Morocco's transportation network, extending from the already operational Tanger-Kénitra high-speed line. It is designed to be part of an even more extensive project that will eventually connect Tanger to Agadir. This corridor is crucial as it handles a significant portion of the country's passenger and freight traffic. The extension is expected to double the reach of Morocco's rapid transit network and enhance connectivity to major ports like Tanger Med and Casablanca.
Achraf Tarsim, the AfDB's country manager for Morocco, emphasized that this support is pivotal for improving the operational capacity of the rail network and solidifying Morocco's position as a logistics hub between Europe and Africa. This project aligns with the national priorities outlined in the "Rail 2040" plan and the "New Development Model" of Morocco, showcasing the country's strategic focus on infrastructure development as it prepares for the upcoming World Cup 2030, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
With the commercial launch of the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed line slated for late 2029, ongoing infrastructure work and the delivery of equipment financed by the AfDB will continue across the entire corridor, marking a significant step forward for Morocco's railway ambitions.
As reported by info.fr.
