The Morocco TraIndustry (MTI) cluster, which was established to promote a national railway industry, was prominently displayed at the 14th edition of InnoTrans, the world’s largest transport technology trade exhibition, which is running from Sept. 24 until Sept. 28 in Berlin.
MTI’s inaugural participation in this international exhibition included a dedicated stand where it showcased its aspirations and initiatives to professionals from the German and international rail industries.
Established in 2021, the Moroccan railway industry cluster aims to bring together various industrial players in the railway sector under a comprehensive national ecosystem, similar to those already established in the automotive and aerospace sectors in Morocco.
MTI’s primary goal is to eventually produce “Made in Morocco” trains and export them, according to its president, Mohammed Smouni, who spoke to MAP.
Smouni, who is also the Deputy Director General of the National Railways Office (ONCF), explained that Morocco, known for its competitiveness in the automotive and aerospace sectors, also has the potential to become a major player in the railway industry.
MTI’s participation in InnoTrans 2024 seeks to promote Morocco’s ambitious railway development plan. This milestone highlights the cluster’s growth and aims to attract foreign investors while showcasing the expertise of Moroccan companies on the international stage.
MTI intends to boost investments in the railway sector by creating an integrated national ecosystem with a strong technological component.
This ecosystem, which includes both public and private operators, is designed to generate added economic and social value. In the coming years, it is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Morocco’s railway sector and increase its export capacity.
Already, the cluster includes major Moroccan and international industrial players, such as Alstom, alongside SMEs, startups specializing in various mobility fields, universities, and research centers.
The 14th edition of InnoTrans opened in Berlin under the presidency of Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, Volker Wissing.
During his visit to the ONCF stand, he emphasized the importance of Morocco as a key partner for Germany in mobility, transport, and railways cooperation. He also praised Morocco’s participation in the renowned biennial event, underscoring the country’s commitment to railway development.
ONCF’s Director General, Mohamed Rabie Khlie, who led the Moroccan delegation at InnoTrans 2024, highlighted Morocco’s strategic position in mobility and the railway industry during his speech at the event’s opening panel, where Morocco was in the spotlight.
He also introduced Morocco’s new railway development program, which includes extending the high-speed line (LGV) to Marrakech, launching proximity transport projects, acquiring new trains, and renewing the current fleet.
Organized by Messe Berlin, InnoTrans 2024 features 2,940 exhibitors from 59 countries, presenting 226 global innovations across a 200,000 square-meter exhibition space.
The event focuses on the latest innovations in mobility, with five key segments: railway technology, railway infrastructure, public transport, interior design, and tunnel construction.