Emmanuel Macron Applauds Morocco's Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail
Doha – French President Emmanuel Macron has saluted Morocco's launch of construction works for the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line (LGV), a major infrastructure project inaugurated by King Mohammed VI on Thursday at the Rabat-Agdal train station.
'Franco-Moroccan cooperation is advancing at high speed! His Majesty King Mohammed VI launched yesterday the works on the new high-speed rail line between Kénitra and Marrakech,' Macron wrote today on social media platform X.
'This is the concrete result of partnerships formed between our companies during my state visit to Morocco last October,' he added, concluding: 'Long live the friendship between Morocco and France!'
The 430-kilometer line represents a MAD 53 billion ($5.3 billion) investment, excluding rolling stock. It forms part of a larger MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) program that includes the acquisition of 168 new trains for MAD 29 billion ($2.9 billion).
According to Khalid Khairane, director of high-speed rail projects at Morocco's National Railways Office (ONCF), construction will proceed according to the established timeline to be ready for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
'In 2029, we will begin testing on this line to start operations at the end of the same year,' Khairane told the press, noting that studies for the project began in 2022 and three-quarters of the required land has already been acquired.
The new line will drastically cut travel times along Morocco's key economic corridor. Journeys will take just 1 hour between Tangier and Rabat, and 1 hour 15 minutes between Casablanca and Marrakech.
Read also: Morocco's $9.6 Billion Investment Plan to Connect 43 Cities by 2040
Travel between Tangier and Casablanca, as well as Rabat and Marrakech, will be reduced to 1 hour 40 minutes, while the full stretch from Tangier to Marrakech will take only 2 hours 40 minutes—saving more than 2 hours compared to current travel times.
The LGV will also connect Rabat to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport in just 35 minutes while serving the new Benslimane stadium. Additionally, high-speed service between Fez and Marrakech will take 3 hours 40 minutes.
Luciano Borges, director of equipment at ONCF, revealed that the project includes the acquisition of 18 new-generation high-speed trains (320 km/h) with a capacity of 641 seats each, to be supplied by French manufacturer Alstom. This will expand Morocco's current fleet from twelve to thirty trains.
'Beyond the high recyclability criteria required for these trains (over 97%), the selection process of manufacturers has established judicious partnerships for controlled maintenance through the development of suitable industrial tools,' Borges explained.
The high-speed line will serve 59% of Morocco's population and connect economic regions representing more than 67% of the national GDP. It will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while stimulating several sectors, including industry, services, and tourism.
The international press has widely covered the project launch, with Business Insider Africa writing that it 'reinforces Morocco's position as a continental leader in infrastructure development,' noting that the country already operates Africa's only functional high-speed rail network.
The project reflects Morocco's strategic vision for sustainable development, particularly promoting collective mobility solutions with a low carbon footprint, while positioning its high-speed rail as a technological showcase for African countries seeking fast and sustainable transport solutions. Tags: Emmanuel MacronKenitra MarrakechMorocco France Relations
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
18 minutes ago
- Morocco World
Real Madrid's Youssef Lakhdim Pushing for Alavés Loan Move
Real Madrid defender Youssef Lakhdim is keen to leave the club this summer in search of more playing time and has agreed a loan move to Deportivo Alavés, according to Africa Foot . The 18-year-old Moroccan international, frustrated with his current situation at the club, has asked to be allowed to move on. His agent reportedly approached Madrid officials with a proposal for a season-long loan, aiming to give the left-back a chance to play regularly at the top level. Alavés have agreed to cover his full salary until the end of the upcoming season, making the deal financially straightforward for Real Madrid. Lakhdim has been part of La Fábrica, the club's academy, since 2017 after spells at Rayo Vallecano, Moratalaz, and Getafe. Born in Madrid to a Moroccan mother and a Spanish father, he is eligible for both national teams but currently represents Morocco. The left-back has yet to make his senior debut but was included in Real Madrid's first-team squad several times this season. Most of his minutes came with the U19 side, where he impressed in domestic competition and the UEFA Youth League. Sources close to the player say Lakhdim has looked to Achraf Hakimi's career path as inspiration. Like Hakimi, who left Real Madrid at 18 to gain first-team experience at Borussia Dortmund, Lakhdim hopes a move away will help him develop both technically and physically. 'He understands now that following Hakimi's example is the way forward,' the source told Africa Foot . 'His route is blocked by more senior players, and he needs to play.' The move to Alavés is expected to be finalised soon, which could be the first step in breaking into senior football. Tags: Deportivo AlavesReal MadridYoussef Lakhdim
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Wydad Interested in Hakim Ziyech Ahead of Club World Cup
Wydad Casablanca are exploring a move for Hakim Ziyech following his exit from Al Duhail, according to Africa Foot. The Moroccan international is currently a free agent and could be in line for a surprise switch to Botola Pro. Ziyech, 32, parted ways with the Qatari club just five months after joining. His time in Doha was underwhelming, with only one goal and one assist in 13 appearances. Al Duhail confirmed his departure in a brief statement on Saturday. Wydad, who will represent Morocco at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, are reportedly considering a short-term deal to strengthen their squad. Club president Hicham Aït Menna is said to have opened discussions through intermediaries to gauge Ziyech's interest. Despite representing Morocco at the international level, Ziyech has never played professionally in the country. Born and raised in the Netherlands, his entire career has taken place abroad, with spells at Heerenveen, Twente, Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray, and most recently, Al Duhail. The winger's career has stalled in recent years. After a promising start at Ajax and a high-profile move to Chelsea, things began to unravel. Injuries, tactical changes and lack of game time limited his impact in London. Short spells in Turkey and Qatar followed, but neither sparked a real turnaround. Ziyech was left out of Morocco's squad in 2025 and is now believed to be looking for a new challenge that could revive his form and put him back in contention ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations to be held on home soil. Wydad see the move as a bold statement ahead of their Club World Cup campaign. Ziyech's experience at the top level, including Champions League and World Cup appearances, could offer valuable leadership and quality in attack. His market value has dipped to around €4.5 million, but on a free transfer, the deal could suit both parties. Tags: Club World CupHakim ZiyechWydad AC
Morocco World
15 hours ago
- Morocco World
UK Deepens Economic Cooperation with Morocco in Strategic Visit to Rabat
Rabat – The UK has expressed its determination to deepen economic ties with Morocco, calling the country a rising partner in trade and investment. The announcement came as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy paid an official visit to Rabat, marking a new chapter in cooperation between the two countries. As part of the visit, the UK has also announced that it will adopt a new UK policy position towards Western Sahara, and endorse Morocco's Autonomy Plan, describing it as 'the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a mutually-agreed and lasting solution to the Western Sahara dispute.' Lammy's trip, which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has described as 'strategic and ambitious,' led to a number of agreements aimed at broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation. British officials say the bilateral relationship is already showing strong momentum, with annual trade exceeding £4 billion. Speaking from Rabat, Lammy underlined the UK's interest in forging new business links across sectors. 'Growth and prosperity will underpin our relationship with Morocco and beyond, helping forge new opportunities at home and abroad,' he stated, outlining London's broader approach to international alliances. An acknowledgement of Morocco's growing importance in global dynamics Douglas Alexander, Minister for Trade Policy, also pointed to Morocco's growing importance for the UK and in global geopolitics. He said the country stands out as a key gateway for British business, especially as the UK seeks to expand its footprint in emerging markets. 'Morocco is becoming an increasingly important trade and investment partner for the UK,' he noted. The visit resulted in a series of targeted agreements in priority areas such as water management, port facilities, logistics, and green technology. Among the most significant announcements was a £200 million deal to support sustainable water systems and modernize port facilities, sectors where the UK hopes to bring in its engineering and environmental expertise to the table. With Morocco co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, British officials also confirmed plans to support the development of eco-friendly sports infrastructure, drawing on the UK's experience from previous international tournaments. Security and shared challenges also formed part of the discussions. The FCDO noted closer alignment with Morocco on issues related to migration, counter-terrorism, and climate change. The two countries pledged to combat water scarcity and environmental risks through coordinated efforts. This renewed diplomatic engagement falls under the UK's broader strategy in Africa, which London says has moved away from rhetoric to genuinely build long-term partnerships founded on mutual interest. For Morocco, the visit signals international recognition of its growing economic role. For the UK, it is a gateway to new markets and a chance to exert influence through pragmatic, forward-thinking diplomacy. Tags: economic tiesMorocco economyUK Morocco tiesWestern sahara
