Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail, New Lever to Bolster National Economy
In a statement to the press on this occasion, Kayouh explained that this structuring project will reduce travel times between some of the Kingdom's major cities, saving time up to 70% compared with current commute times.
This large-scale project will significantly ease citizens' mobility, provide better connections between major conurbations, notably Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech, and serve some of the Kingdom's main airports, he said.
The Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail project, with a budget of MAD 53 billion (excluding rolling stock), is part of an ambitious program mobilizing an overall investment of MAD 96 billion, which also includes the acquisition of 168 trains at a cost of MAD 29 billion, intended to renew the existing fleet of the Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF) and support development projects, as well as maintaining performance for MAD 14 billion, enabling in particular the development of 3 metropolitan transport networks in the Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech conurbations.
MAP: 24 avril 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Maroc
an hour ago
- Maroc
First Regional Green Economy Forum Kicks Off in Tangier
The first edition of the Regional Green Economy Forum (RGEF) kicked off on Thursday in Tangier with a focus on the theme 'Empowering African Cities, Paving the Path to Carbon Neutrality.' This event, organized under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, is an initiative of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), supported by the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, and United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), with the aim of promoting sustainable solutions to support African cities. The Forum brings together experts and representatives from local governments, national, African, and international institutions, to support Africa's efforts toward sustainable, low-carbon urban development, strengthen cooperation between local, national, and international actors, encourage the exchange of experiences and best practices, and promote investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility. The Forum also serves as a platform for discussion on current themes such as multi-level governance, energy transition, circular economy, sustainable mobility, and financing mechanisms, with the aim of supporting strategies that lead African cities toward carbon neutrality. Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to supporting joint African action to build a green, resilient, and prosperous future for the continent, one that meets the aspirations of its people and protects the rights of current and future generations. In a video message, the minister emphasized that Morocco, under the farsighted leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has made South-South cooperation a strategic choice and a central pillar of its foreign policy, based on active solidarity and integration, highlighting several pioneering initiatives launched by the Kingdom to strengthen climate action in Africa. WGEO President Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer noted that the Forum is taking place as climate change becomes a tangible reality, with African cities on the front lines facing rising temperatures, water scarcity, and environmental degradation. He pointed out that these challenges are also drivers of positive transformation toward sustainable development. He stated that WGEO, through the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), which includes representatives from 100 countries, works to ensure inclusive, resilient green growth, with Africa as 'the cornerstone of this alliance,' aiming to build fair and sustainable cities capable of adapting to climate change by strengthening their capacity to develop feasible green projects, renewable energy solutions, sustainable mobility, and waste-to-energy initiatives. President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, Omar Moro, emphasized the region's aspiration to become a model of green economy transition, leveraging its role as a bridge between Africa and Europe, underlining its efforts to promote investment in renewable energy, develop sustainable infrastructure, support green innovation, raise awareness of the green economy, and engage citizens in environmental preservation. He also stressed that the Forum is an effective platform for experience-sharing between local governments, the public and private sectors, and civil society, helping unite the efforts of city leaders and local stakeholders to design practical projects and foster public-private partnerships aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in urban areas. Secretary General of UCLG Africa, Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, pointed out that although Africa contributes only 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is one of the continents most exposed and vulnerable to climate change effects. He stressed that Africa has the capacity to surpass polluting and unequal development models by building greener, smarter cities, as already demonstrated by numerous African cities, both large and small, committed to innovative sustainability initiatives. United Nations Resident Coordinator in Morocco, Nathalie Fustier, highlighted that this regional forum fits within a critical momentum of South-South cooperation and experience-sharing among African cities, describing it as a strategic platform for peer learning, identifying bankable projects, building coalitions, and developing carbon neutrality pathways tailored to African realities. She also emphasized the efforts of the UN System in Morocco to support cities and territories in this ambitious green transition and reiterated the UN's full commitment to accompanying this process with all partners, adding: 'It is our collective responsibility to make African cities more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient living spaces.' Tangier Mayor Mounir Laymouri, also President of the Moroccan Association of Municipal Council Presidents (AMPCC), affirmed that Africa lies at the heart of the green transition, stating that this transformation depends on empowering cities and local authorities with the necessary resources to play their role. He also noted that African local governments often face limitations in financial and human resources. The two-day event includes debates on various green economy-related topics, such as carbon neutrality, policies and governance, greening African cities, renewable energy solutions, sustainable transport, waste management and circular economy, smart water management, and green industrialization.
Maroc
an hour ago
- Maroc
Morocco Seals Agreement to Invest MAD 38 Bln in Airport Infrastructure
In a bid to bolster Morocco's airport infrastructure, Morocco's Government and the Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA), sealed, on Thursday in Rabat, a memorandum of understanding covering the 2025-2030 period, for a total investment of MAD 38 billion. Under this strategic agreement, whose signing ceremony was chaired by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, the airport capacity in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez will be expanded, and a new HUB terminal and runway will be built at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, at a cost of MAD 25 billion, according to a press release from the Head of Government's office. The same source added that MAD 13 billion will also be allocated to maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition, ensuring the agility and longevity of the network. ONDA is committed to embodying a new generation of public service, focused on excellence, innovation, and positive impact. On this occasion, Akhannouch stated that this agreement falls within the framework of supporting the development momentum and preparing the air transport sector to be at the level of the country's ambitions and the challenges it is set to face in the coming years, thanks to the Enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him. The government chief also stressed that this agreement is set to bolster the progress that elevated Morocco to the rank of a regional platform and international air hub, as well as contribute to providing the Kingdom with a modern and performing infrastructure at the service of economic growth, territorial integration and social inclusion, in execution of High Royal Guidelines. The agreement is also set to lay the foundation for a modern, resilient and sustainable airport model, in keeping with the 'Airport 2030' strategy, designed to support the rise in power of Morocco's flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc, handle air traffic growth and strengthen airport infrastructure, as a key lever to develop several sectors, particularly tourism, in view of the Kingdom's hosting of the FIFA World Cup and Morocco's post-2030 outlook. The agreement was inked by the Minister of Tourism, Handicraft, and Social and Solidarity Economy, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, as well as the Director General of the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Participation and the Director General of ONDA. MAP: 24 July 2025
Morocco World
15 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Signs Landmark $3.7 Billion Deal to Upgrade Airports, Boost Aviation Sector
Rabat — The head of government, Aziz Akhannouch, officially signed today a strategic agreement with the National Airports Authority (ONDA) to invest MAD 38 billion ($3.7 billion) over five years in Morocco's airport infrastructure . This ambitious plan focuses on expanding and modernizing key airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez. A centerpiece of the project is the construction of a new international air terminal designed to serve as a major regional hub, alongside the addition of a new runway at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. These upgrades alone represent an investment of MAD 25 billion ($2.5 billion). The remaining MAD 13 billion (1.3 billion) will be allocated for maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition, ensuring the long-term operational flexibility and sustainability of the airport network. Prime Minister Akhannouch emphasized the significance of the agreement in advancing Morocco's broader developmental goals and positioning the country as a regional aviation leader. 'Thanks to the visionary leadership of His Majesty the King, this deal will reinforce Morocco's status as a key international aviation hub,' he said. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic growth, enhance regional integration, and promote social cohesion across the country. Read also: Morocco's Airport Authority Restructures Leadership to Advance 2030 Strategy This investment is fully aligned with ONDA's strategic 'Airports 2030' vision, which aims to accommodate increasing air traffic and support the expansion plans of Royal Air Maroc , Morocco's national airline. The improvements come as Morocco prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and looks beyond 2030 toward sustained economic development. In a related announcement, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh previously revealed that Morocco has launched a MAD 28 billion ($2.8 billion) investment program under the ' Airports 2030' strategy, targeting a doubling of passenger capacity to 80 million by 2030. A key element of this program is the construction of a new airport in Casablanca on an 800-hectare site adjacent to the existing Mohammed V Airport. This new facility alone will handle 40 million passengers and serve as a gateway to long-haul destinations requiring flights of over eight hours. 'This program primarily involves building a new airport in Casablanca, following Royal directives, to strengthen Morocco's connections with the rest of the world, especially more distant countries,' Kayouh told the Chamber of Representatives during a parliamentary session. The signing ceremony was attended by ministers responsible for tourism, transport, and budget, alongside senior officials from ONDA and the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Contributions and Monitoring of Public Institutions and Enterprises. This agreement marks a critical milestone in Morocco's efforts to modernize its aviation sector, emphasizing innovation, service excellence, and sustainable development as the pillars of its future growth. Tags: Airports 2030aviation morocco
