Metro

Morocco to launch high-speed train to link capital Rabat to world’s oldest city, Fez

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2022

Morocco is set to launch a new high-speed train that will take in the Rabat-Fez route as part of a larger strategy to construct a nationwide railway network that will interlink its major cities.

The high-speed train that will link the capital Rabat with Fez, the oldest imperial cities of Morocco founded in the 9th century and home to the world’s oldest uniiversity, the famous University of al-Qarawiyyin, is coming a few weeks after launching the Casablanca-Marrakech-Agadir high-speed train service, according to Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF).

In a statement on Saturday by the ONCF, plans have already been concluded on the initial studies for the project pertaining to the first part of the railroad linking Rabat, Khemisset, and Meknes.

The ambitious strategy by the country’s railway authorities would see the construction of 1,300 kilometers of railways linking 43 cities, up from the 23 kilometers currently available, according to the statement.

Once operational, the new lines of the railway would support Morocco’s industrial development as the country looks to connect its fourteen ports and ten airports with the railway system, it added.

In 2019, Morocco had embarked on the audacious plans of launching high-speed trains called the ‘Al Boraq Trains” with the general idea being to link all the major cities in the country.

So far, the Al Boraq train has proven to be popular among Moroccan railway users, as estimates suggest that the number of passengers doubled between 2020 and 2021, notching up a total of 2.4 million passengers in 2021 alone compared to 1 3 million passengers in 2018, bringing a turnover of MAD 165 million ($15.8 million) in 2020 to MAD 317 million ($30.3 million) the previous year, according to statistics from the ONCF.

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

14 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.