France will provide Morocco with a €781 million loan to fund the purchase of 18 high-speed trains, the French embassy in Rabat announced on Friday.
The loan is part of Morocco’s ambitious plan to upgrade its rail network ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
The new trains, made by French manufacturer Alstom, will help extend the high-speed rail line from Kenitra to Marrakech.
The Alstom Avelia Horizon double-decker trains can reach speeds of 320 km/h and carry up to 640 passengers.
The state-owned Moroccan rail operator ONCF will receive the trains as part of an effort to enhance the country’s rail infrastructure.
In addition to the French loan, ONCF plans to expand its network to 43 cities by 2040, aiming to serve 87% of the Moroccan population.
ONCF’s broader investment strategy includes the purchase of 150 additional trains through concessional loans from South Korea and Spain.
South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem will provide 110 urban trains, while Spain’s CAF will build 40 intercity trains.
The expansion of Morocco’s rail industry promises to boost both urban and intercity transport and position the country for future growth as it prepares for the global spotlight of the World Cup.
