In the vibrant early morning hours of Casablanca, amidst the stream of commuters, Mohamed Al Mamoune, a 30-year-old digital entrepreneur from Senegal, embarks on a vital train journey to Rabat. For Al Mamoune, whose business thrives on supporting Moroccan enterprises with branding and communication strategies, the country's extensive rail network is not merely a convenience but an essential lifeline. He highlights the train's economic and environmental advantages over road transport, emphasizing its role in saving time and facilitating client acquisition.

Al Mamoune is one of millions who now benefit from Morocco's profoundly modernized rail infrastructure, a testament to years of strategic investment and a clear national vision. Over the past 15 years, the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), Morocco's national rail operator, has spearheaded ambitious infrastructure projects. This includes the groundbreaking achievement of Africa's first high-speed train, effectively connecting Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours, a significant reduction in travel time.

The impact of this modernization extends far beyond the high-speed service. With crucial backing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Morocco has comprehensively upgraded and expanded its entire rail network. The AfDB's substantial €300 million financing was pivotal for the Tangier-Marrakech corridor expansion, enabling the construction of new lines, the implementation of advanced signaling systems, and the development of modern facilities like the Casa-Port station and a centralized signaling command center. Mohamed Rabie Khlie, ONCF's Director General, acknowledges the AfDB as a "historic partner" that has consistently supported ONCF since the 1990s, offering not only preferential financing but also invaluable technical assistance.

The transformation is evident in the striking improvements across the network. Ahmed Bouhaltit, ONCF's Director of Engineering, describes a "revolution" over the last decade, encompassing the high-speed line, double-tracking towards Marrakech, triple-tracking between Kenitra and Casablanca, and the integration of smarter, more efficient operational systems. For passengers, these enhancements translate into elevated comfort, enhanced safety, and improved punctuality, creating an unparalleled travel experience.

Beyond passenger convenience, this modernization has significantly bolstered Morocco's freight sector, a critical engine for economic growth. ONCF aims to not only double or even triple passenger traffic but also to fortify logistics capabilities for key industries, such as automotive manufacturing. Souhail Tantaoui, who manages outbound logistics at PSA Morocco, a subsidiary of the French carmaker, underscores the network's importance. He notes that two trains daily transport 280 vehicles each to the port of Tangier Med for export, effectively removing 35 trucks from the road every day.

These improved logistics have solidified Morocco's standing as an attractive investment hub while simultaneously delivering greener, more sustainable transport solutions. For entrepreneurs like Al Mamoune, the continuous expansion of the rail network offers renewed opportunities for business growth. Morocco's plans for further rail expansion are met with optimism, as Al Mamoune expresses, "As an African, I believe our countries should do the same—develop rail. It would help boost their economies." Today, Morocco's railways symbolize a profound transformation, embodying modernity, safety, and reliability. They have fundamentally enhanced daily mobility for its citizens, attracted new industries, and positioned the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable infrastructure. For the African Development Bank, which remains committed to investing in Morocco's transport and logistics sectors, this success story offers a promising vision of a more connected, competitive, and greener Africa.