Morocco’s state-owned rail operator, ONCF, has announced a $2.9 billion deal to purchase 168 trains from France, Spain, and South Korea, as the country prepares to expand its rail network in anticipation of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The contracts were awarded to Alstom of France, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) of Spain, and Hyundai Rotem of South Korea. Alstom will supply 18 high-speed trains, CAF will build 40 intercity trains, and Hyundai Rotem will provide 110 urban trains.
This significant investment is part of Morocco’s strategy to enhance its high-speed and urban rail networks ahead of co-hosting the World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The deals include concessionary financing agreements with each of the supplying countries.
Morocco plans to extend its high-speed train network from Kenitra to Marrakech before the tournament, and then further south to Agadir. The ONCF also aims to expand its overall network to connect 43 cities, serving 87% of the Moroccan population, by 2040.