Morocco is on track—literally—to transform its railway system with a bold expansion of its high-speed network. The latest push comes with a €781 million loan from France to finance the purchase of 18 cutting-edge Avelia Horizon trains from French manufacturer Alstom. These sleek double-deckers, capable of reaching 320 km/h, are set to connect Kenitra to Marrakech, significantly cutting travel time and modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure. The move aligns neatly with Morocco’s preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a massive event that will demand seamless connectivity between key cities.
The high-speed network, known as the Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV), is already in operation on the Casablanca-Tangier corridor, where Morocco’s Al Boraq service—Africa’s first high-speed train—has been running since 2018. Now, the government wants to take things further, extending the network southward and doubling its reach. The Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF) has ambitious plans to increase rail connectivity to 43 cities, covering 87% of the population by 2040.
The latest batch of Alstom trains represents a crucial step in this broader vision. The Avelia Horizon models will offer a smooth, high-speed experience for passengers while increasing energy efficiency by up to 20% compared to older models. More speed, lower costs, and an eco-friendly footprint—what’s not to love?
Beyond the French connection, Morocco is looking east and south for further investments. The country is in discussions with Spain and South Korea to acquire an additional 150 trains through concessional loans. South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem is set to deliver 110 urban trains, valued at a staggering $1.5 billion, while Spain’s CAF is expected to provide 40 intercity trains for a price tag of $813 million. This strategic diversification of suppliers reflects Morocco’s growing influence in global transportation partnerships.
Expanding the high-speed rail network is not just about prestige or convenience. It’s an economic power play. Improved transport links mean stronger trade connections, more efficient logistics, and easier movement of workers and tourists. The World Cup alone will demand top-tier infrastructure, and Morocco is betting big on its railways to deliver a world-class experience.
Critics argue that the government should prioritize public spending on more pressing issues, such as education and healthcare, before sinking billions into high-speed rail. However, supporters counter that a robust rail network is a long-term investment that will pay dividends through economic growth, job creation, and tourism. If Morocco wants to position itself as a regional leader, a first-class transportation system is a necessary step.
The upcoming expansion also plays into the broader narrative of Africa’s push for high-speed rail. Morocco is leading the charge, but other nations are watching closely. Egypt has already signed contracts for a massive high-speed rail network, while South Africa has flirted with similar projects. If Morocco succeeds, it could set a precedent for other African countries looking to modernize their transport systems.
With financing secured and trains on order, the next challenge is execution. Large-scale infrastructure projects are notorious for delays, budget overruns, and logistical nightmares. Morocco will need to navigate these hurdles carefully to keep its high-speed ambitions on schedule.
With the world setting sight on the 2030 World Cup, Morocco’s vision for an interconnected, high-speed future is becoming clearer. Whether it’s tourists zipping between stadiums or business travelers making quick hops across the country, the new trains promise to redefine mobility. It’s full steam ahead for Morocco—destination: the future.
