During President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic visit, Morocco and France signed cooperation agreements valued at 10 billion EUR, spanning infrastructure, energy, and cultural initiatives. Held at the Royal Guest Palace in Rabat, the signing ceremony was attended by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, senior Moroccan officials, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, and Princess Lalla Khadija.
High-speed train agreement
This agreement focuses on the supply and support of high-speed trains for Morocco’s expanding rail infrastructure. Signed by ONCF’s Director-General, Mohamed Rabie Khlie, and ALSTOM CEO, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, it includes a contract for the acquisition of 12 high-speed trains, with an option for six additional units. This initiative aims to enhance Morocco’s high-speed rail capacity and improve national transportation efficiency.
High-speed rail infrastructure management contract
ONCF and the French consortium SYSTRA/EGIS signed a contract for project management support for the high-speed rail infrastructure between Kenitra and Marrakech. This agreement, signed by Mr. Khlie of ONCF and Mr. Laurent Germain, CEO of EGIS, ensures that top engineering expertise will guide the project’s development, with the SYSTRA/EGIS/Novec group providing technical assistance to guarantee high execution standards.
Aircraft engine maintenance and repair center
A memorandum of understanding was signed to establish an aircraft engine maintenance and repair (MRO) center in Morocco. The Moroccan Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, Minister Delegate for Investment Karim Zidane, and SAFRAN’s Chairman Ross McInnes signed this agreement, representing an investment of approximately 130 million EUR for the construction and equipment of the facility.
Strategic partnership in energy
Under the guidance of Morocco’s Minister of Energy, Leila Benali, and France’s Minister of Ecological Transition, Olga Givernet, the two governments signed a strategic energy partnership. This partnership spans renewable energy development, low-carbon hydrogen production, energy storage, and more, fostering energy transition cooperation and strengthening interconnections between the countries’ energy sectors.
Morocco–France investment accelerator
A joint venture valued at 300 million EUR will act as an investment accelerator for projects throughout Morocco, including in the southern provinces. Signed by Mohammed Benchaaboun, Director-General of the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment; Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD; Marie-Laure Mazaud, CEO of STOA; and Isabelle Bébear, International Affairs Director of Bpifrance, the venture will prioritize sustainable infrastructure and create new investment opportunities in Morocco.
Green transition for ports initiative
AFD has committed 100 million EUR to support Morocco’s port infrastructure in its green transition, climate resilience improvement, and blue economy initiatives. This agreement with Morocco’s National Ports Agency includes ports nationwide, notably those in Dakhla and Laâyoune.
Agricultural and forestry cooperation framework
The framework agreement, signed by Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed Bouari, and France’s Annie Genevard, establishes key areas for agricultural and forestry cooperation, strengthening sustainability and resilience while promoting Morocco as a bridge between France, the EU, and Africa.
Franco-Moroccan Research Center for Africa
Signed by Noureddine Mouaddib, President of the International University of Rabat; Antoine Petit, CNRS Director-General; and Nathalie Drach-Temam, President of Sorbonne University, this memorandum of understanding establishes a Franco-Moroccan Research Center focused on AI, Big Data, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and other emerging fields.
Container terminal development at Nador West Med
CMA CGM and TANGER MED, represented by Fouad Brini and Rodolphe Saadé, signed an agreement to develop a container terminal with a capacity of 1.2 million containers, enhancing Morocco’s logistical capabilities and representing an investment of 258 million EUR.
