RABAT, July 10 – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €205 million ($234 million) loan to support the expansion of Morocco’s high speed rail network and strengthen rail infrastructure along the country’s heavily used Kenitra to Marrakech transport corridor.
According to a statement from the AfDB, the financing will help increase capacity and improve operational efficiency on the railway corridor, which carries a significant share of Morocco’s passenger and freight traffic. The investment is expected to enhance rail connectivity, improve mobility and support the country’s long term transport infrastructure ambitions.
The project forms part of Morocco’s broader plan to invest approximately $10 billion in expanding both its intercity and urban rail systems as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Under the programme, Morocco will construct a new 430 kilometre high speed railway linking Kenitra on the Atlantic coast to Marrakech. The line will pass through the country’s major economic centres, including Rabat and Casablanca, significantly reducing travel times while strengthening links between key commercial and tourism hubs.
The expansion is expected to support growing passenger demand, improve freight movement and reinforce Morocco’s position as one of Africa’s leading transport and logistics hubs. It also aligns with the country’s wider infrastructure strategy aimed at supporting economic growth, tourism, urban development and regional competitiveness ahead of the global sporting event.
The AfDB’s financing underscores continued multilateral support for Morocco’s infrastructure modernisation agenda, with the rail investment expected to play a central role in improving national connectivity and boosting long
