Spanish railway manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has won a contract to supply Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) with 40 next-generation intercity trains, Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Business announced. The decision followed a competitive bidding process.
According to official data received by Hespress, Spain’s economy ministry signed a financial protocol with Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, agreeing to a loan that will finance the acquisition of the trains as part of efforts to modernize Morocco’s railway system. The total investment exceeds €750 million, with funding provided through Spain’s Business Internationalization Fund (FIEM).
The contract marks CAF’s first project in Morocco, supplying high-performance intercity trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. The deal is expected to have a significant economic impact on CAF’s Spanish factories, creating jobs and supporting Morocco’s emerging railway sector.
This agreement is part of Morocco’s broader railway expansion program, aimed at strengthening the network ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. It follows Morocco’s recent contracts with French manufacturer Alstom for 18 high-speed trains (TGV) and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem for 110 new-generation regional rapid transit (RER) trains.
Financial Arrangements
The financing agreement was finalized between Spain’s Official Credit Institute (ICO), acting on behalf of the Spanish government, and Morocco’s ONCF. The loan is backed by a sovereign guarantee from the Moroccan government, facilitated through its Ministry of Economy and Finance.
As part of Spain’s strategy to expand its companies’ international presence, Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla recently visited Morocco. Her trip included meetings with Moroccan officials and participation in a forum on investment opportunities in infrastructure projects related to the 2030 World Cup.
Spain and Morocco are strengthening their bilateral cooperation through a partnership focused on modernizing Morocco’s railway system. This initiative is part of broader infrastructure projects planned for the World Cup.
CAF, a global leader in railway manufacturing, is expected to deliver high-speed intercity trains that will enhance connectivity between Morocco’s major cities. Spain’s economy ministry estimates the project will create 1,000 direct jobs annually, along with approximately 3,000 indirect jobs.
The ONCF will oversee the implementation of the project, which aims to improve Morocco’s sustainable transport infrastructure. The initiative will integrate new rail lines and leverage CAF’s international expertise in railway engineering.
Spanish authorities highlighted that the contract strengthens economic and trade relations between the two countries, further positioning Spain as a key strategic partner in Morocco’s infrastructure development.
Morocco remains the leading destination for Spanish investment in Africa, with Spanish investments totaling approximately €2 billion and creating over 27,655 jobs. More than 350 Spanish companies are currently operating in Morocco across various industries, including energy, infrastructure, automotive components, banking, and technology, significantly contributing to the country’s economic growth.
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