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Rabat – Morocco’s National Office of Railways (ONCF) has unveiled ambitious plans for 2025, forecasting a record 57 million passengers and revenue surpassing $500 million (MAD 5 billion).
The announcement reflects Morocco’s ongoing efforts to boost its rail infrastructure while preparing for major events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
On Wednesday, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh chaired an ONCF Board of Directors meeting that outlined the national rail operator’s strategy for 2025 and reviewed its achievements in 2024.
Kayouh noted the pivotal role of Morocco’s rail sector in supporting sustainable mobility and economic growth.
2024 was a year of records and resilience
Director General Mohamed Rabie Khlie underlined the strong performance recorded in 2024, noting the transportation of 55 million passengers, a 4% increase from 2023.
The high-speed rail service, Al Boraq, played a key role. More than 5.5 million passengers opted for the service, marking a 5% year-on-year rise.
Freight operations also saw impressive growth, with ONCF transporting 20 million tons of goods, a 17% increase from the previous year. This success came despite global economic volatility and challenges related to raw material costs.
ONCF’s total revenue for 2024 is expected to exceed $465 million (MAD 4.7 billion), driven by passenger growth and a recovery in phosphate transport.
The office also projects an EBITDA of $180 million (MAD 1.8 billion), up 9% from 2023, noting its operational efficiency amid rising energy and material costs.
Ambitious goals for 2025
For 2025, ONCF plans to build on its momentum with an anticipated 57 million passengers, reflecting a 4% growth from 2024.
Freight operations are expected to continue expanding, with a target of 21 million tons of transported goods.
Revenue is projected to exceed $500 million, representing a 6% increase compared to 2024.
These projections align with Morocco’s broader economic goals and preparations for international events.
Strategic investments for the future
Looking beyond 2025, ONCF is gearing up for a transformative development cycle aimed at reshaping Morocco’s rail network by 2030.
Key projects include extending the high-speed rail line to Marrakech, introducing regional express rail services, acquiring new trains, and constructing modern stations.
“These strategic investments will further establish rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility in Morocco, particularly as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” ONCF stated.
With a clear vision for the future and a strong performance in 2024, ONCF aims to solidify its position as a key driver of Morocco’s economic development and sustainable transportation goals.
