Morocco advances railway ambitions at Beijing global summit

Morocco has strengthened its position in the global railway sector through high-level participation at two prestigious international conferences in Beijing, showcasing the kingdom’s achievements and future ambitions in high-speed rail development.

The National Railway Office (ONCF) represented Morocco at the 106th General Assembly of the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail, held July 7-8, 2025. These back-to-back events brought together leading railway executives, policymakers, and technology innovators from around the world to address sustainable mobility challenges and shape the future of rail transport.

Central to Morocco’s presentation was the Al Boraq high-speed train service, Africa’s first operational high-speed railway, which has transformed intercity travel since its launch. ONCF officials used the platform to share insights from this pioneering project and unveil plans for the next expansion phase connecting Kenitra to Marrakech, a development that promises to revolutionize domestic mobility patterns.

The Beijing meetings served multiple strategic objectives for Morocco’s railway sector. Beyond technology showcase opportunities, ONCF engaged in substantive discussions on engineering partnerships, signaling systems, and infrastructure financing models. The delegation studied advanced governance frameworks from established railway powers to inform Morocco’s network expansion strategies.

Morocco’s vision extends beyond national borders, positioning itself as a regional railway hub bridging Africa and Europe. This ambitious goal aligns with global trends toward decarbonized transport solutions, where rail plays an increasingly vital role in sustainable development.

The high-profile participation underscores Morocco’s emergence as a credible partner in international railway development, combining African pioneering spirit with proven operational excellence in delivering modern, environmentally friendly transport infrastructure.