Morocco accelerates highway upgrades for FIFA 2030 World Cup

Wednesday 23 April 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco accelerates highway upgrades for FIFA 2030 World Cup

Morocco is ramping up its road infrastructure projects to align with international standards as it prepares for the FIFA 2030 World Cup. The country currently boasts an extensive highway network spanning over 2,177 kilometers, as reported by Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka.

During a recent session at the Chamber of Representatives in Rabat, Baraka addressed parliamentary inquiries regarding Morocco's road infrastructure. He highlighted several key projects, including the essential highway connecting Tiznit to Dakhla, a route from Fez to Taounate via National Road N8, and a vital link between Nador West Med port and the cities of Nador, Driouch, and Kassita.

The minister also pointed to the development of the Tetouan-Chefchaouen expressway via National Road N2, enhancements to the Marrakech-Safi and Marrakech-Kelaa Sraghna routes, and a feasibility study for a new expressway in the Draa-Tafilalet region.

Baraka emphasized that these highway upgrades are crucial for improving transportation quality and ensuring user safety. He reaffirmed his department's commitment to fast-tracking these infrastructure initiatives.

Significant transformations are underway in Morocco's road infrastructure, including the expansion of the national highway network and modernization of regional and provincial roads. The government is collaborating closely with Morocco’s National Highway Company (ADM) to realize a comprehensive vision for future infrastructure development. By 2030, Morocco aims to extend its national highway network significantly.

Among the flagship initiatives mentioned by Baraka are plans to triple the highways along the Casablanca-Berrechid axis and the construction of the 30-kilometer Tit Mellil-Berrechid highway. Additionally, a 59-kilometer continental highway connecting Rabat and Casablanca is scheduled for completion by 2029.

Progress is also being made on the 104-kilometer highway connecting Guercif to Nador, designed to integrate Nador West Med port into the national highway system, with an investment of MAD 7.9 billion (approximately $790 million).

In anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2030, Baraka stated that a strategic plan is in place to enhance road connections to major cities and surrounding towns benefiting from this global event. The government plans to rehabilitate road sections in thirty cities.

To maintain and preserve the road network, nearly MAD 3 billion (around $300 million)—about 46% of the road budget—is allocated annually for the upkeep of deteriorating roads, rehabilitation of at-risk structures, and strengthening of bridges to accommodate rising traffic volumes.

Morocco has already committed to investing MAD 12.5 billion (approximately $1.25 billion) in strategic highway projects ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2030.