Newsweek describes Morocco’s strategy to expand its high-speed rail network as “ambitious”

Newsweek has described Morocco’s strategy to enhance its high-speed rail network by 2040, as “ambitious”, noting that this strategy positions the Kingdom to extend its lead as Africa’s leader in rail.

Morocco already has Africa’s only operational high-speed rail line and is intent on expanding and modernizing the network, the magazine stated, noting that this ambition is driven by King Mohammed VI, who is keen on accelerating economic development across the country and consolidating connection with the rest of the continent.

The media recalled the Sovereign’s speech on the 40th anniversary of the Green March, in which he underlined: “One of my ambitions is to see a rail link between Tangier and Lagouira to connect Morocco with the rest of Africa. I pray that Almighty God assists us in securing the funds we need today to complete the Marrakech-Lagouira line.”

In this article by Flynn Nicholls, the US magazine refers to the ambitions of the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) through its “Rail Maroc 2040 Plan” meant to connect major cities, modernize conventional rail services, and boost Morocco’s economic development.

The ONCF also plans to extend the high-speed rail line to Marrakech by 2030, in anticipation of the Football World Cup that Morocco will co-organize with Portugal and Spain, the media added.

For Newsweek, the high-speed rail line is expected to foster new business opportunities and facilitate the movement of goods, positioning Morocco as a logistics hub between Europe and Africa.