Morocco Unveils $40 Billion Plan to Revolutionize Transportation Infrastructure

The reforms initiated by Morocco to launch its development were highlighted during the 5th Forum and Exhibition on Transport and Logistics in Africa and the Middle East (TransMEA 2023) held in Cairo, Egypt. The kingdom is preparing to implement the strategic vision launched by King Mohammed VI in order to "put our country on the path of sustainable and comprehensive economic and social development", while working to strengthen the pillars of the social state, to support the transformation of the national economy and to strengthen governance, digital transition and environmental protection, said Mohammed Abdeljalil, Minister of Transport and Logistics. He did not fail to enumerate the requirements of the strategic role of transport and logistics in achieving sustainable development: the establishment of modern, integrated and efficient transport systems, capable of meeting the new challenges in a world facing random scenarios, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical unrest, inflation and climate change.

Referring to the reforms initiated by Morocco for more than two decades, under the leadership of the sovereign, the minister stressed that they have led to a significant developmental transformation, through the consolidation of the national economy, the modernization of infrastructure and the improvement of the living conditions of citizens, said the MAP. "These transformations have contributed to strengthening the confidence enjoyed by the kingdom internationally," he said, adding that they have allowed Morocco to host major events, including the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, to be awarded the organization of the next Africa Cup of Nations CAN-2025, as well as that of the 2030 World Cup jointly with Spain and Portugal.

In Morocco, the transport sector has experienced a great boom. The minister thus said that the kingdom has invested more than $40 billion over the past 20 years to develop its road, air and rail infrastructure (highways, railways, ports and airports). Likewise, several fundamental reforms for the sector, including the gradual liberalization of transport activities, as well as the adoption of an advanced road code and a modern aviation code, in line with the rules applicable at the international level, have been approved. Thanks to the projects carried out, including the high-speed line, the expansion of the rail network and a new generation of stations, rail transport in Morocco has experienced a qualitative leap in terms of network quality and services, Abdeljalil stressed, assuring that Morocco "will continue to implement structured projects according to medium and long-term strategies, aimed at modernizing and rehabilitating the transport system and establishing the necessary conditions for the emergence of a modern transport system and a competitive logistics sector, in order to consolidate these important achievements".