As Morocco prepares to host two major sporting events – the African Cup of Nations in 2025 and the 2030 World Cup – the Kingdom is accelerating the implementation of vast transport projects. These initiatives aim not only to meet the logistical needs of competitions, but also to sustainably place the country in a dynamic of economic and social modernization.
The development of the Moroccan railway network constitutes one of the pillars of this transformation. After the success of the high-speed line (LGV) between Tangier and Casablanca, inaugurated on November 15, 2018, major projects are underway to extend this strategic infrastructure. The LGV will thus be extended to Marrakech, considerably reducing travel time between the two cities. This project, currently in the active phase, mobilizes significant investments, in particular via a contract awarded to China Railway NO.4 Engineering Group for civil engineering works between Kenitra and Marrakech.
In the longer term, an extension to Agadir is also envisaged, aiming to connect this tourist and economic region to the rest of the country. Furthermore, a new 85-kilometer regional line is being studied between Tangier and Tetouan. This project includes direct connections between downtown Tangier, the stadium planned for the World Cup, and Tangier-Ibn Battûta airport.
Through these infrastructures, the Kingdom’s ambition is clear, to provide the country with a modern and efficient railway network. Ultimately, these lines will help reduce regional disparities and boost trade.
Modernization of strategic airports
The air component also occupies a central place in this strategy. Indeed, Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport, the country’s main hub, is the subject of an ambitious modernization plan, with an expansion planned to anticipate massive growth in traffic by 2040. Similar work is underway for other strategic airports such as Marrakech-Menara, Agadir-Al Massira, Tangier-Ibn Battûta and Rabat-Salé.
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-These projects, carried out in partnership with international experts such as the Spanish company Ineco, aim to strengthen the capacity of airport platforms and provide infrastructure that meets international standards. The aim is to double national airport capacity from 38 million to 80 million passengers per year by 2030. These improvements will be essential to welcoming fans from around the world, while meeting the growing needs of tourism and business.
Redesigned strategic road axes
The Moroccan road network is also undergoing a major overhaul, with widening and modernization work. In Casablanca, a new double-lane road now streamlines traffic towards Mohammed V airport and the A3 motorway leading to Marrakech. Furthermore, the project to widen the Azemmour road (R320), a vital axis linking the city center to Dar Bouazza, is nearing completion.
A budget of more than 5 billion dirhams has been allocated to effectively connect downtown Casablanca to the future large stadium located in the northwest of the city. This project also includes the rehabilitation of 1,200 kilometers of highways nationally, strengthening connectivity between the main host cities.
Finally, urban transport also benefits from significant investments. The T3 and T4 lines of the Casablanca tramway, inaugurated in September 2024 after an investment of 7 billion dirhams, offer more mobility in the metropolis. These extensions complement existing networks and are part of a broader plan to modernize urban transport on a national scale.
Beyond the two major sporting events to come, all of these projects are part of a strategic plan aimed at consolidating Morocco among African leaders in terms of transport infrastructure. These massive investments, supported by public-private partnerships, demonstrate the country’s commitment to meeting the logistical challenges posed by hosting major sporting events, while leaving a lasting legacy.
