The Morocco TraIndustry (MTI) cluster, formed to develop a national railway industry, made a significant impact at the 14th edition of InnoTrans, the world’s largest trade fair for mobility and rail transport, held from September 24-27 in Berlin.
During its first appearance at this prestigious global event, MTI showcased its vision and projects to both German and international rail industry professionals. Established in 2021, the MTI cluster aims to position Morocco as a key player in the railway sector, with ambitions to build and export trains proudly labeled “Made in Morocco.”
MTI’s primary goal is to unite the various industrial stakeholders within the railway sector to form a comprehensive national ecosystem, much like the thriving automotive and aerospace sectors, according to MTI President Mohammed Smouni. He shared these insights during the event, where he accompanied Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Director General of the National Office of Railways (ONCF).
Smouni, who also serves as Deputy Director General of ONCF, emphasized that Morocco’s proven expertise in the automotive and aerospace industries—known for their global competitiveness—provides the country with a solid foundation to emerge as a major player in rail manufacturing.
The MTI’s presence at InnoTrans 2024 is a major milestone, marking a turning point in the growth of Morocco’s railway ambitions. This participation also aims to attract foreign investment and highlight the expertise of Moroccan companies on the international stage, Smouni noted.
By fostering investment in the railway sector, the MTI seeks to establish an integrated national ecosystem with a strong technological component, uniting both public and private operators. This ecosystem will not only generate significant economic value but also contribute to social development.
In the coming years, the Moroccan railway ecosystem is expected to boost the sector’s competitiveness and enhance its export capabilities. The cluster already includes major industrial players and subcontractors like Alstom, alongside small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups specializing in mobility, universities, and research centers.
InnoTrans 2024 opened with a keynote by Germany’s Federal Minister of Digital Affairs and Transport, Volker Wissing, who visited the ONCF stand. He highlighted Morocco’s importance as a strategic partner for Germany in mobility and railway cooperation. Wissing praised Morocco’s participation in the biennial event, emphasizing the nation’s strong commitment to rail development.
ONCF Director General Mohamed Rabie Khlie also spoke at the event’s opening panel, where Morocco was a key focus. He underscored the Kingdom’s strategic position in mobility and the railway industry, and outlined the country’s ambitious railway expansion plans, including extending the high-speed line (LGV) to Marrakech, launching new local transport projects, and upgrading the existing train fleet.
InnoTrans 2024, organized by Messe Berlin, features 2,940 exhibitors from 59 countries, with 226 global innovations presented across 200,000 square meters of exhibition space. This renowned event highlights the latest advances in mobility, showcasing five key segments: railway technology, infrastructure, public transport, interior design, and tunnel construction.
