Morocco’s $9.6 Billion Investment Plan to Connect 43 Cities by 2040

Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, unveiled an ambitious MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) investment plan on Tuesday to modernize the country’s railway infrastructure by 2030.

Kayouh announced the plan during his presentation to the Chamber of Representatives, at a meeting of the Infrastructure, Energy, Mining, Environment, and Sustainable Development Commission in Rabat.

The minister outlined the comprehensive strategy aiming to enhance the rail transportation system in Morocco.

In detail, Kayouh said that the government is allocating MAD 53 billion (approximately $5.3 billion) to build a high-speed rail line to connect Kenitra to Marrakech. The budget will go towards enhancing regional rail transport on existing networks.

Additionally, the government is setting aside MAD 29 (approximately $2.9 billion) to acquire 18 high-speed trains and 150 multi-service trains, and reserving another MAD 14 billion (approximately $1.4 billion) to build or renovate approximately 40 railway stations and maintain the efficiency of the national network.

These initiatives are part of a broader rail development plan that extends to 2040 to significantly boost Morocco’s rail connectivity.

According to the minister, the long-term vision aims to connect 43 cities, up from the current 23, and serve 87% of the population, compared to the present 51%.

“This ambitious project will revolutionize Morocco’s transportation infrastructure,” Kayouh stated, adding that the plan includes connecting 12 international airports and 12 ports to the rail network, a substantial increase from the current coverage of one airport and six ports.

In regards to economic impact, Kayouh said the ambitious plan is projected to create 300,000 new jobs across the country.

This massive infrastructure investment demonstrates Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its transportation network and boosting economic growth through enhanced connectivity.