The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €205 million ($234 million) loan to help Morocco expand its high-speed rail network and upgrade railway infrastructure along one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.

The funding will support improvements on the Kenitra–Marrakech railway line, a key route that connects major economic centres and carries large volumes of passenger and freight traffic. The project is expected to increase rail capacity, improve travel times and strengthen links between Morocco’s major cities.

The investment comes as Morocco continues to upgrade its transport network to support trade, tourism and economic activity. The country has made rail development a priority as it seeks to improve logistics links between Africa and Europe while promoting more efficient and lower-emission transport.

Approved on July 8, the project will combine the expansion of Morocco’s high-speed rail network with upgrades to existing railway infrastructure. It will include new track equipment, railway components and improvements around the Casablanca rail hub to help increase operational efficiency.

Boosting trade and passenger connections

AfDB Group Country Office Head in Morocco Achraf Tarsim said the project would help address growing demand for both passenger and freight services while improving the country’s transport capacity.

“By combining the extension of the high-speed rail line with the modernisation of existing infrastructure, this operation will help accommodate growing passenger and freight traffic, facilitate trade flows and reduce travel times,” Tarsim said.

The project will also provide support for engineering supervision, implementation and monitoring to help ensure the upgrades are completed effectively. The improvements are expected to make rail travel more reliable while helping businesses move goods faster across key routes.

Supporting Morocco’s long-term rail plans

The investment aligns with Morocco’s Rail 2040 strategy, which aims to modernise and expand the national railway network.

The plan is part of wider government efforts to improve infrastructure, strengthen connectivity and support economic development.

The AfDB said the project reflects its continued partnership with Morocco, where it has financed transport, energy, water, agriculture and other development programmes. Since 1978, the bank has mobilised nearly $17.5 billion for more than 150 projects across the country.