It is barely 8 a.m., yet the streets of Casablanca are already buzzing with commuters. Among them is Mohamed Al Mamoune, a 30-year-old digital entrepreneur from Senegal, heading briskly to the train station. For him, rail travel is more than transport — it is the backbone of his growing business. “Traveling by train saves me time, money, and even helps the environment. Most importantly, it allows me to reach new clients,” he explains on his way to catch a train to Rabat.
Al Mamoune’s story mirrors Morocco’s national ambition: transforming its mobility through a modern, efficient railway system. The most visible achievement is Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed train, linking Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours. Backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Morocco has invested more than €300 million to expand the Tangier–Marrakech corridor, modernize key hubs like Casa-Port station, and implement cutting-edge signaling technology. “The Bank has been a historic partner and a constant technical support,” says Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Director General of Morocco’s National Rail Office (ONCF).
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The results speak for themselves. “From high-speed services to triple tracking between Kenitra and Casablanca, the transformation is unmatched. Passengers now enjoy more comfort, safety, and punctuality,” adds Ahmed Bouhaltit, ONCF’s Director of Engineering. The rail revolution is not only about passengers. It is reshaping Morocco’s industrial logistics, particularly the booming automotive sector. At PSA Morocco’s plant, two daily trains each carry 280 vehicles to Tangier Med port, ready for export. “That’s 35 fewer trucks on the road every day,” notes Souhail Tantaoui, logistics manager at PSA Morocco.
The impact is clear: reduced carbon emissions, faster logistics, and stronger competitiveness for Morocco as a manufacturing and export hub. For entrepreneurs like Al Mamoune, the network is also a lifeline. “If Morocco continues to expand its railways, I can keep growing my business. Across Africa, we should do the same. Rail can be an engine for our economies,” he says with conviction.
Today, Morocco’s railway stands as a symbol of transformation: modern, green, and reliable. With ongoing AfDB support, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable infrastructure, regional connectivity, and economic competitiveness — offering a model for a greener, more integrated Africa.
