Under the strategic vision of King Mohammed VI, Morocco continues to strengthen its role as a regional hub and a gateway to Africa. The year 2024 marked a series of transformative projects across transport, energy, logistics, and sports, solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a dynamic player in global and regional development. From record-breaking foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to cutting-edge infrastructure, Morocco is paving the way for a modern, interconnected, and sustainable future.
Expanding the high-speed rail network
Morocco’s transportation landscape reached new heights in 2024 with advancements in its high-speed rail (LGV) network. Building on the success of the Tangier-Casablanca line, construction moved ahead on the extension to connect Marrakech and Agadir. Estimated at €5 billion, the project includes 460 km of new rail lines and modern stations tailored for high-speed travel.
This initiative will cut travel time between Marrakech and Agadir by 50% while increasing passenger and freight capacity by 40%, fostering economic and social integration in the southern regions.
Partnerships with global and local players are key to the project’s success. French company Alstom has been contracted to supply high-speed trains in a deal worth €1.2 billion, while Moroccan firms are collaborating on the construction, bringing €800 million in investment and ensuring skill transfer to local industries.
Nador West Med: Progressing toward completion
The Nador West Med port project, a deep-water port designed to complement the renowned Tanger Med, achieved 85% completion in 2024. Positioned as a critical hub for hydrocarbon and container transit, the port is set to play a pivotal role in global maritime trade.
Adjacent industrial and logistics zones are already attracting significant investments in sectors such as petrochemicals, advanced logistics, and manufacturing. These initiatives aim to transform Morocco’s eastern region into an economic powerhouse, driven by modern infrastructure and competitive tax incentives.
Smart highways: A leap toward connected transportation
Morocco unveiled its first stretch of smart highways in 2024, connecting Casablanca and Rabat over 95 kilometers. With automated toll stations and real-time traffic monitoring systems, the project—financed at MAD 3 billion—has significantly enhanced traffic flow, cutting travel times by 25%.
Innovations like solar-powered lighting and electric vehicle charging stations highlight the project’s commitment to sustainability, reducing vehicle energy consumption by 15%. These smart highways reflect Morocco’s forward-thinking approach to eco-friendly and technologically advanced transportation solutions.
Renewable energy milestones
Morocco’s renewable energy ambitions took a major leap forward in 2024 with the expansion of the Noor Solar Complex. Now boasting a capacity of 580 MW, the facility produces over 1,000 GWh annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 760,000 tons each year.
Additionally, new wind and solar projects in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region further bolster Morocco’s goal of generating 52% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. These developments reinforce the Kingdom’s status as a global leader in clean energy innovation.
Preparations for the 2025 African Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup
Morocco’s sports infrastructure saw significant upgrades in 2024 as the nation geared up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Major renovations are underway for iconic venues like Casablanca’s Mohammed V Complex (70% complete) and Fez’s Grand Stadium (80% complete), with a combined budget of MAD 1.5 billion.
New stadiums in Marrakech (60% complete, MAD 1 billion) and Tangier (50% complete, MAD 900 million) showcase Morocco’s readiness to host world-class events. Agadir and Rabat are also making progress, with projects advancing at 65% and 55%, respectively, supported by a mix of public and private funding totaling MAD 3 billion.
Economic and social impact
The year’s advancements in infrastructure and energy not only showcase Morocco’s development vision but also underline its commitment to economic growth and sustainability. These projects are creating jobs, enhancing regional connectivity, and positioning the Kingdom as a hub for trade, investment, and innovation.
Morocco’s achievements in 2024 confirm its readiness to meet the challenges of the next decade, driven by ambition, strategic planning, and a clear focus on long-term prosperity.
