Morocco receives $234 million high-speed rail loan for 2030 World Cup preparations

The African Development Bank has granted a €205 million (about $234 million) loan to expand the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line, part of Morocco's infrastructure preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

Scraper SystemJuly 09, 2026, 08:39 PM

Morocco receives $234 million high-speed rail loan for 2030 World Cup preparations

The African Development Bank has decided to provide Morocco with a €205 million (approximately $234 million) loan. The funds will be used to expand the high-speed rail network and improve infrastructure along one of the country's busiest transport corridors.

In a statement, the bank said the financing aims to increase the capacity and operational performance of the railway line between Kenitra and Marrakech. This line handles a significant portion of passenger and freight traffic in Morocco.

$10 Billion Railway Investment

The loan is part of Morocco's roughly $10 billion investment plan to upgrade its intercity and urban rail networks. As part of this, Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, is building a new high-speed line that will extend to Marrakech.

New Line to Span 430 Kilometers

The line will start from Kenitra on the Atlantic coast, pass through the capital Rabat and Casablanca, and reach Marrakech, covering a distance of 430 kilometers. The total project cost is estimated at around 96 billion dirhams ($9.6 billion), and trains will operate at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour.

As part of the project, a 3-kilometer tunnel will be built beneath the capital Rabat. Direct connections will also be provided to the large stadium in Benslimane and to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.

Travel Times to Be Reduced

Once the new line is operational, the travel time between Tangier and Marrakech will drop from 5 hours to 2 hours and 40 minutes. The journey between Rabat and Mohammed V Airport will take about 35 minutes.

168 New Trains to Be Purchased

Morocco has also moved to renew its railway fleet. Agreements have been signed for the purchase of 168 new trains, including high-speed ones, with a requirement that technology transfer and local industry integration exceed 40 percent. This step is expected to strengthen the country's railway industry and boost its operational capacity.

Morocco receives $234 million high-speed rail loan for 2030 World Cup preparations