It is 8 a.m. and the bustling streets of Casablanca are already alive with commuters heading to work.

Among them is Mohamed Al Mamoune, a 30-year-old digital entrepreneur originally from Senegal. With his briefcase in hand, he makes his way briskly to the train station for a trip to Rabat, where a client is waiting.

For Al Mamoune, who supports businesses across Morocco with branding and communication strategies, train travel has become indispensable.

"Being able to travel easily throughout the country is important. I do most of my trips by train. When I compare it with the cost of road transport, the train is much more economical and environmentally friendly. Plus, it saves me time. The train allows me to find new clients," he says.Al Mamoune is one of millions of passengers who now rely on Morocco's modernized rail network, made possible by years of investment and a clear national vision.

The Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), Morocco's national rail operator, has in the past 15 years rolled out large-scale infrastructure projects, including Africa's first high-speed train, linking Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours.

But the impact extends well beyond the flagship high-speed service. With support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Morocco has modernized and expanded its entire network. The Bank provided €300 million to finance the Tangier-Marrakech corridor expansion, funding enabled new lines and advanced signaling systems, modern infrastructure such as the Casa-Port station, and a centralized signaling command center.

"The African Development Bank is a historic partner. It has always supported ONCF, since the 1990s," says ONCF's Director General, Mohamed Rabie Khlie.

"Beyond financing at preferential rates, we have benefited from the Bank team's technical support. They are always attentive to our needs."

-- ONCF's Director General, Mohamed Rabie KhlieThe results are striking. "The network has undergone a revolution over the past ten years," notes ONCF's Director of Engineering, Ahmed Bouhaltit.

"From high-speed line and double tracking toward Marrakech, to triple tracking between Kenitra and Casablanca, plus smarter, more efficient operations systems. For travelers, this means more comfort, safety, and punctuality. It's incomparable!"

-- ONCF's Director of Engineering, Ahmed BouhaltitThe modernization has also given a boost to Morocco's freight sector - vital for economic growth.

ONCF aims to double or even triple passenger traffic while strengthening logistics for industries such as automotive manufacturing.

Souhail Tantaoui, who manages outbound logistics at the Moroccan subsidiary of French carmaker PSA highlights the benefits:

"The rail network is very important for us. Every day, two trains each carry 280 vehicles. This allows us to evacuate our daily production to the port of Tangier Med for export to Europe and beyond. That's the equivalent of removing 35 trucks from the road daily."

-- Souhail Tantaoui, PSA MoroccoThe improved logistics have reinforced Morocco's position as an investment hub, while providing greener, more sustainable transport solutions.

For entrepreneurs like Al Mamoune, the expansion of rails is also a lifeline for business growth. Morocco plans to continue expanding its rail network. That's good news because it will allow me to grow my business," he says with a smile. "As an African, I believe our countries should do the same--develop rail. It would help boost their economies."

Today, Morocco's railways are a symbol of transformation -- modern, safe, and reliable. They have enhanced daily mobility for citizens, attracted new industries, and positioned the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable infrastructure. For the African Development Bank, which continues to invest in Morocco's transport and logistics sectors, the success story offers a glimpse of a greener, more connected, and more competitive Africa.

Maroc - Projet d'augmentation de la capacité de l'axe ferroviaire Tanger-Marrakech