🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed line: land acquisition complete, 20 million m³ of earthworks finished
via Le Matin2 min read
One year after its launch by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the construction project for the new high-speed rail line connecting Kénitra to Marrakech is progressing significantly. The National Railways Office ONCF reports that land acquisition operations are complete, and nearly all rights-of-way have been cleared, accelerating on-site work. Civil engineering is advancing, with approximately 20 million m³ of earthworks completed and 15 viaducts under construction. Three covered trenches are also underway near Casablanca Airport, Zenata, and Aïn Atiq, totaling 1.5 km, alongside 92 launched rail and road bridges. Railway equipment procurement is on schedule, with 2.5 million tons of ballast, 800,000 tons of sleepers, over 100,000 tons of rails, and 220 track devices supplied. Track laying is in progress on several sections, and signaling systems are being prepared for deployment. The architectural concept for passenger stations is finalized, with a first phase launched in early 2026 and all stations expected to be underway by July 2026. This 430-kilometer line is part of a 96 billion dirham national railway program, with 53 billion dirhams allocated to the Kénitra-Marrakech line's infrastructure and equipment. The program also includes acquiring 168 trains for 29 billion dirhams and 14 billion dirhams for maintaining the existing network. The project mobilizes nearly 150 direct companies, two-thirds of which are national, contributing to Morocco's economic development and streng
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Must ReadKing Mohammed VI has issued instructions for the Mohammed VI Professional Training Complex to be handed over to Malian authorities. Located in Bamako, the complex spans 5,200 m2 and was built by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sustainable Development. It offers professional training designed to meet employment market needs, focusing on practical skills, a blend of theoretical and practical training, and youth employment integration. The facility will accommodate nearly 1,000 trainees annually across 21 fields, including 12 in construction and public works, and 9 in tourism, hospitality, and catering. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, stated that this royal initiative reflects King Mohammed VI's commitment to Malian and African youth. He added that it embodies the King's vision for active South-South cooperation based on solidarity, shared expertise, local capacity building, and sustainable human development for African populations. Oumou Sall Seck, Mali's Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training, conveyed the deep gratitude of General of the Army Assimi Goita, President of the Transition, Head of State of the Republic, to King Mohammed VI for this significant gesture, which highlights the historical ties of brotherhood and solidarity between Morocco and Mali. She emphasized that the initiative addresses Mali's strategic need for skill development and human capital strengthening in key sec
Sofyan Amrabat, following a mixed season with Real Betis, is a target for two Saudi Pro League clubs, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad. Al-Qadsiah has reportedly made an official offer of approximately 20 million euros to Fenerbahçe for the Moroccan midfielder, who is under contract until June 2028. Al-Ittihad has also entered the race, offering a substantial salary package estimated at nearly 5 million dollars per season, which would make Amrabat one of the highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia. Real Betis, where Amrabat played this season, cannot compete financially, despite coach Manuel Pellegrini's desire to keep him. Amrabat's season at Real Betis, on loan without a purchase option after a stint at Manchester United, saw him play 23 matches across all competitions. While his physical impact and defensive contributions were noted, his time in La Liga was hampered by injuries, including a tibia issue and ankle surgery. A move to the Saudi Pro League could also impact his position in the Moroccan national team, where competition is increasing due to emerging talents like Ayyoub Bouaddi and his recent physical setbacks. Amrabat, a key player in Morocco's 2022 World Cup campaign, would need to maintain high performance and fitness levels to secure his place under Mohamed Ouahbi if he moves to Saudi Arabia.
Must ReadThe Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS has scheduled a closed-door hearing for October 8, 2026, in Lausanne, Switzerland, to address the dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations CAN final. Representatives from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation FRMF, the Confederation of African Football CAF, and the Senegalese Football Federation FSF are expected to attend. The dispute originated from a CAF Appeals Jury decision on March 17, 2026, which declared Senegal forfeited from the final and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, citing Senegal's violation of articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations. Senegal's appeal, registered with CAS on March 25, seeks to overturn this decision. Morocco views this hearing as the final step toward confirming its continental title, awarded based on competition rules. The CAS stated that the parties did not agree to an expedited procedure, so the process is following the usual timeline. The hearing will be held behind closed doors as the parties did not request a public session. The arbitral panel will begin deliberations after hearing all parties, but no decision will be rendered on the day of the hearing. CAS has not indicated when a decision will be announced and has cautioned against misinformation, stating that only information published through its official channels should be considered reliable.