Morocco ONCF signs rail engineering agreement with Germany’s DB Systemtechnik

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The National Railways Office (ONCF) of Morocco is strengthening its technical cooperation with Germany through a new agreement designed to advance railway engineering, maintenance and innovation.

Signed in Berlin on September 24, the memorandum of understanding between ONCF and DB Systemtechnik, the railway engineering arm of Deutsche Bahn, establishes a framework for exchanging technical expertise and operational experience while exploring new solutions for the Moroccan rail sector.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of InnoTrans 2026, the international railway industry exhibition taking place in Berlin from September 22 to 25.

Predictive maintenance at the heart of cooperation

The new partnership builds on a framework agreement concluded between ONCF and Deutsche Bahn in 2023. According to Mohammed Smouni, ONCF’s deputy director general, the latest cooperation will place particular emphasis on predictive maintenance.

The approach is intended to strengthen the exchange of operational knowledge between the two organizations and support the development of maintenance practices based on data, monitoring and early identification of potential technical problems.

For ONCF, cooperation with German railway specialists also provides an opportunity to benefit from international engineering expertise while sharing Morocco’s own experience in railway operations and high-speed services.

Smouni described the partnership as a two-way exchange, with both sides expected to contribute their respective experience and technical know-how.

Morocco highlights its railway development plans

The agreement comes as ONCF takes part in InnoTrans 2026, where the Moroccan railway operator is presenting projects linked to the expansion of the national rail network and the development of the country’s railway industry.

Morocco has increasingly positioned railway infrastructure and industrial capabilities as important components of its transport strategy. The participation in Berlin gives ONCF an opportunity to engage with international manufacturers, engineering companies and railway institutions while presenting the projects planned for the sector.

The focus on maintenance and engineering also reflects the growing technical requirements associated with an expanding rail network, particularly as high-speed railway operations demand specialized expertise and advanced maintenance systems.

European partnerships extend beyond Germany

The Moroccan railway sector’s presence at InnoTrans has also resulted in additional cooperation initiatives involving European industry organizations.

Morocco TraIndustry (MTI) signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Railway Clusters Initiative. The agreement aims to encourage closer links between Moroccan and European railway companies, particularly in innovation, research and development, and industrial partnerships.

MTI also concluded a partnership with the French Federation of Railway Industries to facilitate greater cooperation and exchanges between Morocco’s railway industry and its French counterpart.

Together, the agreements underline the broader effort to connect Moroccan railway companies with European industrial and technological networks.

InnoTrans 2026 sets new participation record

The agreements were announced during an edition of InnoTrans marked by record participation. The 2026 event brings together 3,170 exhibitors from 59 countries, around 200 more exhibitors than in 2024.

The exhibition is also showcasing 180 world premieres and 113 railway vehicles from 17 countries, providing a major international platform for manufacturers, operators, technology companies and railway specialists.

For ONCF and Morocco’s railway industry, the Berlin event therefore serves not only as a venue for commercial and technical exchanges, but also as a platform to strengthen international partnerships around the modernization and expansion of the country’s rail network.