The Casablanca-Settat Regional Council on Monday approved a funding protocol for the construction of the high-speed rail line connecting Marrakech and Kenitra, as part of a broader national infrastructure push ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
During its July ordinary session, held at the regional government headquarters, the council allocated MAD 1.6 billion (approx. $160 million) toward the project, which has an estimated total cost of MAD 4.8 billion ($480 million).
The funding protocol involves multiple stakeholders, including the Ministries of Interior, Finance, and Transport, three regional councils (Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, and Marrakech-Safi), the National Railways Office (ONCF), and major financial institutions such as Attijariwafa Bank, Banque Populaire, CDG, Bank of Africa, and Crédit du Maroc.
According to project details, participating banks will provide loans directly to the three regions involved. Attijariwafa Bank will contribute MAD 2.4 billion, while both Banque Populaire and CDG will offer MAD 800 million each. Bank of Africa is set to provide MAD 600 million, and Crédit du Maroc will contribute MAD 200 million.
The 430-kilometer high-speed rail line will be developed and operated by ONCF, forming part of Morocco’s expanded railway network aimed at improving mass transportation and supporting national readiness for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Since March 2022, the Casablanca-Settat council has approved over 57 transport and mobility projects, underscoring the region’s commitment to sustainable and modern infrastructure development.
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