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Morocco and France signed agreements worth up to €10 billion across infrastructure, energy, and cultural cooperation during President Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic visit! Held at the Palace of Royal Guests in Rabat, the ceremony was attended by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, senior Moroccan officials, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, and Princess Lalla Khadija.
Key Highlights of the Agreements:
1- High-Speed Trains Memorandum of Understanding
This agreement involves the supply and support of high-speed trains for Morocco’s expanding railway infrastructure. Signed by ONCF Director General Mr. Mohamed Rabie Khlie and ALSTOM’s CEO Mr. Henri Poupart-Lafarge, the agreement includes a contract for the acquisition of 12 high-speed trains, with the option to purchase an additional six. This initiative aims to bolster Morocco’s high-speed rail capacity and expand national transport efficiency.
2- Declaration of Intent on Financial Cooperation in the Railway Sector
Signed by Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Ms. Nadia Fettah, ONCF’s Mr. Mohamed Rabie Khlie, and France’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry Mr. Antoine Armand, this document outlines collaborative financial support for Morocco’s railway projects, strengthening the infrastructure and future-proofing railway investments through financial cooperation.
3- Assistance Contract for the LGV Infrastructure
ONCF and the French SYSTRA/EGIS consortium entered into an assistance contract aimed at providing project management support for the high-speed rail infrastructure between Kenitra and Marrakech. Signed by ONCF’s Mr. Khlie and EGIS CEO Mr. Laurent Germain, this agreement ensures that engineering expertise will guide the project’s development, with group EGIS RAIL/SYSTRA/NOVEC supplying technical assistance to ensure a high standard of execution.
4- Supply Contract with VOSSLOH COGIFER for Track Equipment
This contract, signed by ONCF’s Director Mr. Mohamed Rabie Khlie and VOSSLOH President Mr. Bertrand Gryspeert, focuses on supplying essential track equipment for the high-speed line from Kenitra to Marrakech, a critical step in completing Morocco’s north-south rail link.
5- Maintenance and Repair Facility for Aircraft Engines
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish a maintenance and repair operations (MRO) facility in Morocco, dedicated to servicing aircraft engines. Morocco’s Industry Minister Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister Delegate for Investment Mr. Karim Zidane, and SAFRAN’s President Mr. Ross McInnes signed this agreement, which represents an investment of approximately €130 million to build and equip the facility.
6- Green Hydrogen Sector Development
This Preliminary Contract, signed by Morocco’s Minister of the Interior Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of Economy and Finance Ms. Nadia Fettah, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Ms. Leila Benali, Minister Delegate for Investment Mr. Karim Zidane, and CEOs of Total Energies and Total Eren, Mr. Patrick Pouyanne and Mr. David Corchia, commits the Moroccan government to provide land and resources for a green hydrogen initiative, leveraging Morocco’s renewable energy potential for sustainable hydrogen production.
7- Strategic Energy Partnership
The Moroccan and French governments signed a strategic partnership in energy, led by Moroccan Minister of Energy Ms. Leila Benali and French Minister for Ecological Transition Ms. Olga Givernet. This partnership covers renewable energy development, low-carbon hydrogen production, energy storage, and other areas, aiming to foster cooperation on energy transition and connect the two countries’ energy sectors.
8- Morocco-France Investment Accelerator
A joint venture, valued at €300 million, will serve as an investment accelerator for projects across Morocco, including the southern provinces. Signed by the Director General of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund Mr. Mohamed Benchaaboun, AFD Director General Mr. Rémy Rioux, STOA Director General Ms. Marie-Laure Mazaud, and Bpifrance’s Director of International Affairs Ms. Isabelle Bébear, the venture will prioritize sustainable infrastructure and create new investment opportunities across the country.
9- Civil Protection Cooperation Agreement
Moroccan and French Interior Ministers Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit and Mr. Bruno Retailleau signed a declaration to enhance bilateral civil protection efforts. This agreement involves knowledge exchange, joint working groups, and improved predictive systems for civil security, particularly during crises.
10- Wildfire Prevention and Response Agreement
Further reinforcing their security partnership, Ministers Laftit and Retailleau signed an agreement to increase cooperation on wildfire prevention and response, with a focus on sharing air resources and operational strategies.
11- Ports Green Transition Initiative
In support of Morocco’s port infrastructure, AFD has committed €100 million for the green transition of Morocco’s ports, improving resilience against climate change and supporting blue economy initiatives. This agreement with Morocco’s National Ports Agency covers ports across the country, including those in Dakhla and Laayoune.
12- Water Management MOU
A Memorandum of Understanding to support Morocco’s National Water Strategy was signed by Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water Mr. Nizar Baraka, Budget Minister Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, France’s Secretary of State for Francophonie Mr. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, and AFD Director Mr. Rémy Rioux. The program, supported by €100 million, aims to strengthen integrated water resource management.
13- Agricultural and Forestry Cooperation Framework
This framework agreement, signed by Agriculture Ministers Mr. Ahmed Bouari of Morocco and Ms. Annie Genevard of France, sets priority areas for agricultural and forestry cooperation, enhancing sustainability and resilience while promoting Morocco’s role as a bridge between France, the EU, and Africa.
14- Franco-Moroccan Education Cooperation (2024-2026)
Education Ministers Mr. Mohamed Saad Berrada of Morocco and Ms. Anne Genetet and Mr. Patrick Hetzel of France signed a Declaration of Intent to deepen collaboration in education, focusing on training, technical education, and French-Moroccan academic partnerships.
15- Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Partnership
This Declaration of Intent includes collaboration on university partnerships, scientific research in priority areas, and enhancing the governance of Morocco’s Higher Education system, signed by Moroccan Minister Mr. Azzedine El Midaoui and French Minister Mr. Patrick Hetzel.
16- Franco-Moroccan Research Center for Africa
Signed by the International University of Rabat’s President Mr. Noureddine Mouaddib, CNRS CEO Mr. Antoine Petit, and Sorbonne University President Ms. Nathalie Drach-Temam, this MOU establishes a Franco-Moroccan Research Center focusing on AI, Big Data, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and other emerging fields.
17- Cultural Cooperation Declaration
A declaration to bolster cultural ties between the two countries, covering industries such as books, heritage, and crafts, was signed by Youth and Culture Ministers Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid of Morocco and Ms. Rachida Dati of France.
18- Video Game Industry Ecosystem Support
This Declaration of Intent, signed by Moroccan Culture Minister Mr. Bensaid, French Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, and French Culture Minister Ms. Rachida Dati, will support Morocco’s video game industry, including a Gaming City project in Rabat.
19- OCP Group Decarbonization MOU
A €350 million agreement between the OCP Group and AFD supports decarbonization and the development of agricultural value chains in Africa. It was signed by OCP’s Chairman Mr. Mostafa Terrab, AFD’s Mr. Rioux, and Bpifrance’s Ms. Bébear.
20- Energy Transition with ENGIE
This joint development agreement between OCP and ENGIE will support green energy projects, including hydrogen production and agricultural desalination. Signed by OCP’s Chairman Mr. Terrab and ENGIE CEO Ms. Catherine MacGregor, it covers five projects that bolster Morocco’s energy transition goals.
21- Taza Wind Farm Expansion
ONEE and EDF Renewables signed an MOU to develop the second phase of the Taza Wind Farm, adding 63 MW to the facility, further supporting Morocco’s renewable energy targets.
22- Container Terminal Development at Nador West Med
CMA CGM and TANGER MED, represented by Mr. Fouad Brini and Mr. Rodolphe Saadé, signed an agreement to develop a container terminal with a capacity of 1.2 million containers, enhancing Morocco’s logistics capabilities and representing a €258 million investment.
The event was attended by key Moroccan and French officials, including Moroccan Head of Government Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, Royal Advisor Mr. Fouad Ali El Himma, and other high-ranking dignitaries from both nations, symbolizing the commitment of both countries to strengthen their partnerships across multiple critical sectors.
