African Development Bank provides 205 million euros to Morocco for Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail extension
via Le Matin2 min read
The African Development Bank is providing 205 million euros to Morocco for the extension of the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail line. This funding aims to enhance the capacity and operational performance of the Kenitra–Marrakech railway corridor, a key route for passenger and freight traffic. The project will extend the high-speed line and reinforce existing railway infrastructure on this strategic axis, improving travel fluidity between major economic and urban centers. It is expected to promote more sustainable mobility, better territorial connectivity, and support the transition to environmentally friendly transport modes. Significant economic benefits are anticipated through reduced travel times and logistics costs. Achraf Tarsim, Country Manager for the African Development Bank Group in Morocco, stated that combining the high-speed line extension with modernization of existing infrastructure will accommodate increased passenger and freight traffic, streamline exchanges, and shorten journey times. Ultimately, this initiative will strengthen Morocco's logistical competitiveness and its role as a strategic hub between Europe and Africa. The project includes acquiring new rails and track equipment for both conventional and high-speed lines to boost corridor capacity and operational performance. It also features project management support for effective implementation and monitoring. This operation aligns with the Bank Group's Four Cardinal Points and its 2024-2029 Country S
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Fadl Chaker, a prominent figure in Arab pop music, has been released from prison after surrendering following twelve years as a fugitive. He had been living in the Ain al-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp near Saida. Chaker faces charges in four cases related to his alleged involvement in 2013 clashes in Saida, alongside Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir, against the Lebanese army, which resulted in the deaths of 18 soldiers. He was granted release after posting two bail bonds totaling nearly $3,500. During his time as a fugitive, Chaker was sentenced in absentia to prison terms ranging from five to 15 years with hard labor in these cases. Months before his surrender, Chaker released songs that topped charts in the Arab world, and his music videos, filmed in the Ain el-Helweh camp, garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
West Med Container Terminal WMCT, the concessionary company for the East Terminal of the Nador West Med port, signed a long-term project finance credit agreement for €196.7 million on July 8, 2026. The financing was secured with a consortium of Moroccan banks, including Attijariwafa bank Group as mandated lead arranger, and Banque Centrale Populaire Group and Bank Of Africa Group as arrangers. This 15-year credit facility will fund a portion of the development costs for the first section of the Nador West Med port's East Terminal. The total investment for this initial phase is approximately €253 million. This financing agreement is part of the overall funding plan for the East Terminal project, which is expected to commence operations in the last quarter of 2026.
Falcon Energy Materials has inaugurated its pilot plant for battery materials near Casablanca, marking a new phase in its project to develop a battery materials sector. The production line is currently being commissioned after its transfer and installation in Morocco. The company expects to produce the first qualification samples of purified and coated spheroidized graphite CSPG in the summer of 2026. These samples will be provided to potential clients, including battery manufacturers and automakers, for their qualification programs. Beyond sample production, the pilot plant will gather technical data for the design of Falcon's future commercial plant, which is projected to have a capacity of 25,000 tons per year. It will also optimize manufacturing processes and train future operators for large-scale production. The company stated that the samples will be made from high-quality natural graphite sourced from Africa, and it is evaluating multiple sources to ensure a reliable supply chain. Matthieu Bos, President and CEO of Falcon Energy Materials, emphasized that the pilot plant's opening is a crucial step, transitioning from preparation to operational execution and strengthening the company's goal to develop a battery anode materials supply chain outside of China. He added that the facility will produce materials for client qualification programs and generate operational data and experience for the future commercial plant's development.