In a significant diplomatic event, His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, Princess Lalla Khadija, and Princess Lalla Meryem, presided alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, over a ceremony marking the signing of 22 cooperative agreements. Held at Rabat’s Royal Guest Palace, the ceremony underscored Morocco and France’s joint commitment to economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
1. High-Speed Rail Expansion
A key component of the Morocco-France partnership is a high-speed rail expansion project. Under this agreement, Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) will purchase 12 high-speed train sets, with an option for an additional six, from French rail giant Alstom. This initiative is part of Morocco’s ambitious plan to expand its high-speed rail network beyond the existing Casablanca-Tangier line to connect major cities like Marrakech and Agadir. These new trains are expected to dramatically reduce travel times, fostering economic and social integration across Morocco.
2. Financial Support for Rail Development
In tandem with the high-speed rail purchase, the Moroccan and French governments signed a declaration of intent to facilitate financial cooperation in the railway sector. Moroccan Finance Minister Nadia Fettah and her French counterpart Antoine Armand pledged to provide funding options for expanding Morocco’s rail infrastructure, a move aimed at bolstering sustainable, efficient transit options across the country.
3. Infrastructure Assistance for Rail Projects
An agreement with engineering firms SYSTRA and EGIS was also signed to provide project management assistance for Morocco’s high-speed rail expansions. This includes expertise in infrastructure planning and construction, ensuring that the railway between Kenitra and Marrakech meets international standards of efficiency and safety.
4. Supply of Rail Equipment
In a contract with Vossloh Cogifer, Morocco will receive specialized rail components crucial for constructing and maintaining high-speed lines, particularly for the Kenitra-Marrakech segment. This will facilitate a smooth supply chain for advanced rail technology as Morocco rapidly expands its rail connectivity.
5. Aircraft Engine Maintenance Hub
Safran, a major player in aviation technology, will invest €130 million in Morocco to establish an aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility. This hub will be dedicated to servicing the latest LEAP engines, which are widely used in modern commercial jets. The facility positions Morocco as a regional center for aviation technology, creating high-skill jobs and supporting airlines across Africa and the Mediterranean.
6. Green Hydrogen Development
Morocco is taking significant steps in renewable energy, with a particular focus on green hydrogen. This agreement, signed with Total Energies and Total Eren, outlines plans to develop green hydrogen production and storage facilities. Green hydrogen is seen as a key solution for reducing carbon emissions, and this initiative will support Morocco’s long-term vision of becoming an African leader in renewable energy.
7. Strategic Energy Cooperation
A comprehensive partnership on energy transition and connectivity was signed, focusing on mutual cooperation in low-carbon hydrogen production, electric grid development, and energy storage solutions. This partnership is set to address Morocco’s growing energy needs and enhance its role as a renewable energy exporter to Europe and Africa.
8. Morocco-France Investment Accelerator
A €300 million investment fund, established as a joint venture between Morocco’s Mohammed VI Fund and French institutions including the French Development Agency (AFD), will target infrastructure and sustainable development projects. This 50/50 partnership aims to stimulate economic growth across Morocco, with a specific focus on southern provinces like Dakhla and Laayoune.
9. Civil Protection Cooperation
Morocco and France committed to enhancing their civil protection capabilities through shared knowledge, crisis management, and joint training exercises. This cooperation aims to improve disaster preparedness, from emergency response protocols to wildfire management strategies.
10. Wildfire Prevention Collaboration
Given the rising frequency of wildfires, Morocco and France have agreed to strengthen firefighting efforts, with a particular focus on aerial firefighting techniques. This partnership will enable both countries to pool resources and share expertise in wildfire management and environmental protection.
11. Port Development for Climate Resilience
With the support of AFD, Morocco’s National Ports Agency will embark on a new program aimed at enhancing port resilience to climate change. The initiative also promotes green practices within Morocco’s ports, particularly in the southern regions of Dakhla and Laayoune, advancing the nation’s “blue economy” strategy.
12. Water Resource Management
To address Morocco’s water scarcity, AFD pledged €100 million to support Morocco’s National Water Strategy. This funding will focus on integrated water management practices, enhancing water conservation and resource efficiency throughout Morocco’s agricultural and urban sectors.
13. Agricultural and Forestry Collaboration
A new agricultural and forestry cooperation agreement will foster sustainable practices and climate resilience. This agreement also aims to leverage Morocco’s geographic position as a bridge between Europe and Africa, promoting regional agricultural development and ensuring food security.
14. Education Cooperation (2024-2026)
In the education sector, Morocco and France signed a strategic plan to expand French educational institutions in Morocco, support technical and vocational training programs, and promote Arabic language education in France. This initiative fosters cross-cultural understanding and strengthens educational ties between the two nations.
15. Higher Education and Research Partnerships
Focusing on scientific innovation, this agreement sets the foundation for university collaborations and academic partnerships in areas such as governance, research, and curriculum development. Both countries will work to strengthen industry-academic relationships, enhancing student skill sets and job readiness.
16. Franco-Moroccan Research Center in Africa
A landmark project, the new Franco-Moroccan Research Center will concentrate on cutting-edge fields like AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and social sciences. This center will serve as a regional hub for research and development, drawing talent and resources from across Africa.
17. Cultural Cooperation
Both countries signed a cultural agreement to promote joint efforts in the arts, literature, and heritage preservation, as well as increased professional exchanges between cultural institutions. This partnership will support Morocco’s creative industries and strengthen its role in the Francophone cultural landscape.
18. Gaming Industry and Digital Creativity
This unique partnership aims to establish a “Gaming City” in Rabat, leveraging French expertise to develop Morocco’s gaming industry. This facility will not only cater to video game development but also support creative arts and digital innovation.
19. Decarbonization and Food Security
The OCP Group, in partnership with AFD, committed to a €350 million plan to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable agriculture. This includes initiatives like AgriFinance, which will enhance African food security and develop agricultural value chains.
20. Renewable Energy Collaboration with Engie
An expansive partnership between OCP and Engie focuses on five key projects, including green hydrogen, desalinated water for agriculture, and renewable energy infrastructure. This collaboration is intended to foster energy resilience and sustainability in Morocco’s industrial sectors.
21. Taza Wind Farm Expansion
Morocco and EDF Renewables signed a protocol for the second phase of the Taza Wind Farm, which will add 63 MW of renewable energy capacity. This project aligns with Morocco’s renewable energy targets, supplying clean power to an expanding grid.
22. Nador West Med Port Terminal Development
CMA CGM, the third-largest container shipping company globally, committed to developing a major container terminal at Nador West Med. This project, requiring an investment of €258 million, is expected to position Morocco as a key logistics and shipping hub for Africa and the Mediterranean.
