Moroccan-Spanish Agreement to Strengthen the Rail Network in Preparation for the 2030 World Cup
ALDAR/
Morocco and Spain have signed a financial agreement aimed at modernizing and developing the railway sector in Morocco. This agreement is part of the preparations for hosting the 2030 World Cup, with the Kingdom seeking to strengthen its internal transport network and improve connectivity between major cities.
The Moroccan capital witnessed the signing of a financial protocol between the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the Moroccan Ministry of Economy and Finance. The protocol aims to finance the purchase of 40 modern trains to strengthen the national railway network. The value of this financing exceeds 750 million euros, which will be provided through the Fund for the Internationalization of Spanish Companies (FIEM), reflecting Madrid’s desire to strengthen the presence of its companies in the Moroccan market.
To implement this financing, a loan agreement was signed between the Official Credit Institute (ICO) from the Spanish side and the National Office of Railways (ONCF) from the Moroccan side, with a sovereign guarantee from the Moroccan government.
In a competitive tender process, the Spanish company CAF won the contract to manufacture and supply the trains that will improve intercity transport in Morocco. These modern trains will feature high levels of comfort and performance, with speeds of up to 200 km/h, allowing for reduced travel times between major cities and promoting rapid mobility across the Kingdom.
This project is not only limited to the development of Morocco’s railway network but also has significant economic implications for Spain. It is expected to contribute to the creation of 1,000 direct jobs annually, in addition to 3,000 indirect jobs, which will strengthen the industrial activity of the Spanish railway sector.
This project is part of Morocco’s efforts to improve its infrastructure in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. The modernization of the railway sector is expected to improve connectivity between major cities, making it easier for fans and tourists to travel during the global sporting event.
This agreement comes in the context of strong economic relations between the two countries, with Spain being Morocco’s primary trade partner, with trade exceeding 22.5 billion euros annually. Moreover, Morocco is the leading destination for Spanish investments in Africa, with a total of nearly 2 billion euros, generating over 27,600 jobs within the Kingdom.
Spanish companies are active in several key sectors in Morocco, such as energy, infrastructure, the automotive industry, banking services, and technology. Currently, more than 350 Spanish companies operate in Morocco, reflecting mutual trust between the two countries in the fields of investment and economic cooperation.
In the context of strengthening this cooperation, Amparo López Senovilla, the Spanish Secretary of State for Trade, made an official visit to Morocco, where she met with Moroccan officials and participated in an economic forum aimed at exploring opportunities for Spanish companies in infrastructure projects related to the 2030 World Cup.
This new agreement reflects the depth of relations between Morocco and Spain, not only in the economic field but also in the development of strategic infrastructure. As preparations for the 2030 World Cup continue, Spain remains a key partner in supporting major projects within the Kingdom, further strengthening economic and logistical integration between the two countries.
