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
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
Morocco's Banks See Drop in Bad Loans Despite Rising Provisions
Rabat — Morocco's central bank, Bank Al Maghrib (BAM), has reported that non-performing loans at the country's banks fell 2.7% to MAD 97.4 billion ($ 10.86 billion) in 2024. According to the central bank's latest annual banking supervision report, this level represents a loss rate of 8.4%, indicating an improvement of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year. The analysis by risk level reveals varying trends across different loan categories. Banks classified 6.5 billion dirhams in loans as 'under surveillance,' marking a 4.1% increase from 2023. Meanwhile, doubtful debts decreased by 1.7% to MAD 8.7 billion ($970.136 million). However, the central bank confirmed that bad debts rose 3.1% to reach MAD 82.2 billion ($ 9.16 billion), representing the largest portion of troubled loans. The distribution shows bad debts dominate at 84% of all non-performing loans, followed by doubtful debts at 9% and loans under surveillance at 7%. Provisions to cover non-performing loans increased 4.6%, which improved the coverage rate by two percentage points to 69% year-over-year. The coverage rate varies significantly by loan type: 76% for bad debts, 45% for doubtful debts, and 11% for loans under surveillance. Banks also set aside MAD 17.1 billion ($ 1.9 billion) in general provisions to cover sensitive loans, representing 1.6% of healthy loans. On a consolidated basis, non-performing loans held by customers of 11 banking groups totaled MAD 134.6 billion ($ 15 billion), up 2% compared to the end of 2023. When accounting for loan growth, the risk rate improved by 0.2 percentage points to 9%. These 11 banking groups increased their provisions by approximately 5% to around 93 billion dirhams, following a 2.6% increase the year before. This resulted in a coverage rate increase of two percentage points to 69%, up from 67% in 2023. Foreign operations show better performance Non-performing loans carried by foreign bank branches, particularly in other parts of Africa, totaled MAD 16.1 billion ($ 1.79 billion). The risk rate for these operations decreased 0.1 percentage point to 7.2%. The coverage rate for these debts improved 1.3 percentage points to 82.4%, up from 81.1% in 2023. Banking groups also allocated provisions to cover sensitive loans that meet IFRS 9 accounting standards at an average rate of 16.9%. They covered healthy loans showing no signs of weakness with preventive provisions representing 0.8% of their total outstanding amounts. Household debt shows concerning trends For households, non-performing loans held by banks and financing companies rose 6.7% after increasing 6.4% the previous year, reaching 44.6 billion ($ 4.97 billion). This led to an increase in the risk rate of 0.3 percentage points to 10.5%. This development reflects a 0.3 percentage point increase to 10.6% for resident households and an improvement of 0.6 percentage points to 7.1% for non-resident households. The coverage rate for these debts reached 64%. Corporate sector performance varies by industry Non-performing loans held by non-financial companies increased 0.7% to 70.1 billion ($ 7.81 billion), but the risk rate declined to 11.1% during 2024. Provisions cover 73% of these debts. The construction and public works sector saw a slight decrease in bad loans (down 0.8%) with a risk rate of 13.7%. The trade sector experienced growth in bad debts (up 4.3%) with an increase in the loss rate to 15.7%, making it one of the higher-risk sectors in Morocco's banking system. Tags: Bad loansMorocco's banking sectornon-performing loans
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
ANRT: Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange Obtain 5G Licenses for MAD 2.1 Billion
Marrakech – The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) announced on Friday that Morocco's three telecom operators have been granted 5G licenses following a competitive bidding process launched on July 11. According to an official press release by the regulator, Itissalat Al-Maghrib (Maroc Telecom), Wana Corporate (Inwi), and Médi Telecom (Orange) secured the licenses for a total of MAD 2.1 billion ($210 million), with varying financial contributions based on bandwidth allocation. Maroc Telecom paid MAD 900 million ($90 million) for 120 MHz of bandwidth, while Inwi and Orange each paid MAD 600 million ($60 million) for 70 MHz. The minimum reserve price for each 5G license was set at MAD 600 million ($60 million) corresponding to 70 MHz. Eventually, all three operators will have access to the same bandwidth of 120 MHz by utilizing frequency bands released for 5G development. The licenses will be valid for 20 years and are renewable. Coverage targets were initially set at eight cities and their airports by November 2025, 25% of the Moroccan population by the end of 2026, and 70% by the end of 2030. However, these objectives were revised upward during the ANRT Board meeting chaired by the Head of Government. The operators have committed to more ambitious coverage targets, with plans to reach 45% by the end of 2026 and 85% by the end of 2030. During the board meeting, ANRT Director General Azlarab Hassibi stated that 5G technology will be implemented through global investments of MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) spread over the coming years. This investment will fund the deployment through 2035. Read also: Maroc Telecom, Inwi Announce MAD 4.4 Billion Investment to Boost Home Fiber, 5G Deployment In the evaluation process, Maroc Telecom received a score of 87, Orange scored 85, and Inwi received 87. According to the instruction report, each bidder's offer exceeded the minimum requirements specified in the call for competition and complied with cybersecurity-related requirements. Operators will initially deploy 5G-NSA (Non-Standalone), with the deployment of 5G-SA (Standalone), or full 5G, beginning two years after the initial launch. For comparison, the 4G licenses granted in 2015 cost operators a total of MAD 2 billion ($200 million): MAD 1 billion ($100 million) for Maroc Telecom, MAD 503 million ($50.3 million) for Inwi, and MAD 500 million ($50 million) for Orange. The cost of 5G licenses is therefore only 20% higher than that of 4G. This strategic choice aims to allow operators to invest in this new generation of network while ensuring acceptable profitability. The deployment of 4G networks has enabled significant development in mobile communications over the past decade. According to ANRT figures, internet penetration is approaching 105% as of June, network coverage exceeds 99% of the Moroccan population, and the penetration rate of 4G smartphones in Morocco is approximately 80%. The development of 4G has also led to important reductions in mobile data tariffs. The main terms of the 5G licenses include national coverage, specific commitments regarding cybersecurity, service security, and continuity. Regular cybersecurity audits will be conducted in accordance with best practices. Future license holders will have access to 50-100 MHz in the 3 GHz frequency band and 2×10 MHz in the 700 MHz frequency band. Each interested assignee will have to financially contribute to the reorganization of the concerned frequency bands, with this contribution set at MAD 60 million ($6 million) per license.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Morocco to Invest $8 Billion for 85% 5G Coverage by 2030
Marrakech – The Moroccan government has announced plans to invest MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) to deploy 5G technology across the country, with the goal of covering 85% of the population by 2030. The announcement came during the board meeting of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), held Friday in Rabat under the chairmanship of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. The ambitious project will begin implementation by the end of 2025, with several major cities receiving 5G coverage in the initial phase. This initiative forms part of the broader 'Morocco Digital 2030' strategy, which aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation. During the meeting, ANRT Director General Azzelarab Hassibi presented the current state of telecommunications in Morocco. He noted that mobile phone services now reach 57 million subscribers, while internet users number approximately 40 million, representing a 90% penetration rate – significantly higher than the African continental average of 37%. These advancements have positioned Morocco as the leading African country in the 2025 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rankings according to the Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI). The board meeting also addressed territorial disparities in telecommunications coverage. Akhannouch stressed the importance of ensuring network coverage throughout the entire country, particularly in mountainous regions. He instructed the ANRT to identify areas with limited or no coverage and to coordinate with relevant government departments and the private sector to provide citizens with reliable, high-quality telecommunications services. As part of this effort, the board approved a national survey to identify remote localities suffering from weak or non-existent telecommunications coverage. These areas will be progressively integrated into a targeted deployment program. Additionally, the ANRT announced an update to the National Frequency Plan to adapt to technological developments and support the country's socio-economic needs. The agency will continue implementing structural projects to extend high-speed internet access and fiber optic networks alongside the gradual introduction of 5G technology. This telecommunications expansion comes as the North African country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. These events demand strong digital infrastructure to enable global media access and enrich visitor experience, as Morocco works to close the digital gap and improve development indicators. Tags: 5G5G technology Moroccointernet in MoroccoMorocco Digital Plan 2020
