Morocco’s state-owned rail operator, ONCF, announced a significant $2.9 billion investment on Wednesday to purchase 168 trains from manufacturers in France, Spain, and South Korea.
This move is part of ONCF’s broader efforts to expand the country’s rail network in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, as reported by Reuters.
The contracts were awarded to French manufacturer Alstom, Spain’s Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem.
The rail expansion is a key element of Morocco’s ambitious infrastructure upgrades, which include major air, road, and rail projects aimed at supporting the World Cup.
As part of the deal, Alstom will supply 18 high-speed trains, CAF will provide 40 intercity trains, and Hyundai Rotem will deliver 110 urban trains. The agreement also includes additional support for Morocco’s growing railway industry.
The contracts are financed through concessionary agreements with France, Spain, and South Korea, covering the full cost of the purchase.
In addition to these purchases, Morocco plans to extend its high-speed rail line from Kenitra on the western coast to Marrakech before the tournament, with further expansions southward to Agadir.
Morocco recently secured a $1 billion financing agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to fund these infrastructure projects.
ONCF’s long-term vision includes doubling the number of cities served by the rail network to 43 by 2040, covering 87% of the country’s population.
