Morocco is taking a major step forward in its high-speed rail ambitions. The French government has approved a loan of 781 million euros to help the North African nation acquire 18 new Alstom high-speed trains. This funding is part of a broader plan to extend Morocco’s high-speed rail line to Marrakech, a strategic project aimed at boosting both mobility and economic development.
The financial agreement was formalized on October 28, 2024, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco. This partnership reaffirms France’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s railway modernization. “France and its businesses will once again stand alongside Morocco to bring this ambitious project to life,” stated Christophe Lecourtier, France’s ambassador to Morocco.
This initiative builds on the success of Morocco’s first high-speed rail line, which connects Tangier to Kenitra and transported nearly five million passengers in 2024. With the expansion toward Marrakech, Morocco is solidifying its position as a leader in railway infrastructure on the African continent.
The 18 new trains will be supplied by Alstom, a global rail manufacturer with a longstanding presence in Morocco. The chosen model, Avelia Horizon, is a cutting-edge, double-decker train capable of carrying up to 640 passengers at speeds of 320 km/h.
Beyond performance, sustainability is at the heart of this project. These new trains are designed to reduce Morocco’s carbon footprint, aligning with the country’s commitment to greener, more sustainable mobility solutions.
While the trains will be manufactured in France, Morocco’s Alstom facility in Fès will play a crucial role in producing electrical cabinets and cable harnesses. This collaboration enhances Morocco’s rail industry by fostering local expertise and strengthening its industrial ecosystem.
More than just a transportation upgrade, this project serves as an economic and technological catalyst for Morocco—particularly as the country prepares for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event that will demand efficient and modern infrastructure.
With this latest development, Morocco continues to pave the way for high-speed rail in Africa, leveraging strategic partnerships and a forward-looking vision to shape the future of transportation on the continent.
