The African Development Bank Grants 205 Million Euros to Morocco to Modernize the Kénitra–Marrakech Railway Corridor
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is strengthening its support for transport infrastructure in Morocco. Meeting in Abidjan, the institution’s Board of Directors approved a financing package of €205 million aimed at the Rail Infrastructure Development Support Project (PADIF).
This operation seeks to enhance the capability of the Kenitra–Marrakech railway corridor, a strategic route that handles a significant portion of passenger and freight flows in the Kingdom. The project will support both the expansion of the High-Speed Line (LGV) and the modernization of existing railway infrastructure.
Smoother Mobility and a More Efficient Network
PADIF will improve the fluidity of travel between the main economic and urban centers of the country while bolstering territorial connectivity.
The project includes plans for the acquisition of new railway equipment, including rails and track devices for both the conventional network and LGV. These investments are expected to increase the capacity of the corridor, enhance the reliability of the infrastructure, and meet the anticipated growth in passenger and freight traffic.
A Lever for Economic Competitiveness
Beyond the modernization of the railway network, this funding is expected to generate significant economic benefits.
Reduced travel times and lower logistical costs will contribute to improving the competitiveness of Moroccan companies and enhance the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a logistics hub connecting Europe and Africa.
According to Achraf Tarsim, the AfDB Country Manager for Morocco, the combination of LGV extension and the modernization of existing lines will facilitate trade while supporting the growth of rail traffic.
Enhanced Project Management
PADIF also includes a component dedicated to project management, encompassing assistance with project ownership, project management, as well as monitoring and evaluation of results.
This approach aims to ensure the efficient implementation of investments and optimize their impact on the development of the national railway network.
A Project Aligned with the Rail 2040 Strategy
This funding aligns with the priorities of the New Development Model as well as the Rail 2040 program, which aims to modernize and expand the Moroccan railway network to meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility.
The operation also aligns with the AfDB’s 2024-2029 strategy for Morocco, which places significant emphasis on the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Since the beginning of its cooperation with the Kingdom in 1978, the AfDB has mobilized nearly €15 billion to finance over 150 projects in key sectors such as transport, energy, water, agriculture, governance, social protection, and the financial sector.
