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Rabat – Head of the Moroccan government Aziz Akhannouch has noted the significant progress in the country’s infrastructure development, describing it as a key pillar of the development path led by King Mohammed VI.
Speaking during a parliamentary session on infrastructure as a driver of economic and social growth, Akhannouch shared notable achievements that have propelled Morocco to the forefront in Africa and beyond.
Morocco has achieved a remarkable expansion of its road network, increasing the length of highways from 80 kilometers in 1999 to 1,800 kilometers today, Akhannouch said. The country now ranks 16th globally in terms of road quality and density, with 58,000 kilometers of roads, including 2,164 kilometers of expressways.
The railway system has also seen significant upgrades, with 2,309 kilometers of rail lines, including 200 kilometers of high-speed rail and 64% electrification. These developments aim to connect key cities, boost efficiency, and support Morocco’s economic ambitions, Akhannouch added.
He also noted that the number of airports in Morocco has risen from 15 in 1999 to 25 today, including 19 international airports. This expansion has supported record-breaking air traffic, with 27.1 million passengers in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. By the end of September 2024, air traffic had reached 24.3 million passengers, marking a 19.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Read also: Morocco on Track to Shake-Up Railway Network
Akhannouch revealed the government’s plans to double passenger capacity to 80 million by 2030, up from the current 38 million. Projects include expanding major airports like Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport and enhancing Marrakech and Agadir airports to meet growing demand.
Morocco’s port infrastructure now includes 43 ports, up from 24 in 1999, with 14 commercial ports, 22 fishing ports, and 7 recreational ports. The Tangier Med Port stands out as the largest container port in the Mediterranean and Africa. Key upcoming projects include the completion of the Nador West Med Port in early 2025, costing MAD 11.56 billion, and progress on the Dakhla Atlantic Port, estimated at MAD 13 billion.
In addition, the number of large dams has increased from 95 in 1999 to 154 today, with a total storage capacity exceeding 20 billion cubic meters.
Akhannouch discussed several ongoing and future initiatives, including the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, spanning 1,055 kilometers, with a budget of MAD 8.8 billion.
Another key project is the expansion of the high-speed rail line from Kenitra to Marrakech, covering 430 kilometers at a cost of MAD 53 billion, with plans to extend to Agadir.
He also mentioned the construction of the continental highway between Rabat and Casablanca and the Guercif-Nador highway, valued at MAD 6 billion and MAD 7 billion, respectively.
