Morocco has expanded its high-speed rail service, Al Boraq, to connect Marrakech, becoming the first African country to have a 400km high-speed rail network.
The new Casablanca-Marrakech line, inaugurated on October 18, 2026, cuts travel time from 3 hours to just 1 hour 20 minutes. The line runs at 320km/h, similar to European TGV trains.
Morocco launched Africa's first high-speed train in 2018 between Tangier and Casablanca. The new extension cost $2.3 billion, funded by Moroccan government, France and Gulf investors.
King Mohammed VI said the project positions Morocco as Africa's logistics hub ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. New trains will move fans between host cities.
Over 5 million passengers used Al Boraq in 2025, and officials expect 8 million in 2026 with the Marrakech route. Tickets cost $25, cheaper than flights and buses.
African Union leaders have praised Morocco's infrastructure vision, with Kenya and Egypt studying similar projects. The train uses renewable energy from Morocco's Noor solar plant.
Local traders in Marrakech say the train brings more tourists and business. Morocco now plans to extend the line to Agadir by 2030, linking the entire Atlantic coast.
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