Imagine this: Morocco, the vibrant gateway to Africa, is on the brink of a transformation. With plans as grand as the Sahara, the country is preparing to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. How? By investing a staggering 15 billion dirhams, approximately $1.55 billion, in a new terminal at Casablanca’s largest airport. It’s a bold move aimed at tripling passenger capacity. According to the country’s airports authority, it’s all part of a wider vision to enthrall the globe.

As an emerging hub on the African continent, this terminal will integrate seamlessly with a high-speed rail network connecting Kenitra to Marrakech—a detail not to be glossed over. It’s a project that has already captured the imagination and is well underway. Reuters has delved into the intricate details of this spellbinding endeavour.

So, what exactly is Morocco planning? The blueprint is grand and multifaceted. Picture sprawling networks of airways, roads, and rails stretching across the country. These aren’t just catchphrases; they are the very foundations of Morocco’s World Cup co-hosting strategy for 2030.

Central to this strategy is the monumental expansion of Casablanca Airport, which is designed to boost Morocco’s overall airport capacity to a breathtaking 78 million passengers. The nation is laying down the tracks, metaphorically and literally, to accommodate the expected surge in international visitors during World Cup festivities.

“Visualization and preparation are keys to the success of our infrastructural projects,” one Moroccan official was quoted as saying. It’s not just about building for today, but for generations to come.

In numbers, Casablanca Airport’s current capacity of 10.5 million will rocket to an astronomical 35 million by 2029. With Morocco recording an all-time high of 17.4 million visitors last year—a 20% increase from the previous year—setting a target of 26 million tourists by 2030 seems not just ambitious but achievable.

This ambition doesn’t stop at passengers. Morocco’s national carrier, RAM, intends to multiply its fleet by four, expanding to 200 aircraft by 2037. It’s a skyward aspiration, and one can’t help but wonder, can they pull it off?

Financing the Infrastructure Expansion

None of this would be possible without the keys to the financial kingdom. Last December, the African Development Bank (AfDB) appeared on the scene with a hefty €350 million ($370 million) loan. The spotlight shines here on the potential for an additional €650 million for future projects associated with the 2030 World Cup.

The financial underpinning is substantial. The AfDB’s portfolio in Morocco includes 37 projects, with a total investment of $3.6 billion. These are not mere numbers; they speak volumes about the commitment to Morocco’s growth.

Thinking ahead? Absolutely. Another feather in Morocco’s cap is the exciting construction of a state-of-the-art stadium in Benslimane, near Casablanca. Coupled with renovations of six existing venues, the landscape for sports in Morocco is set to be as striking as its famed desert vistas.

At this juncture, one might ask: Is Morocco plotting a path to become Africa’s jewel in the sports infrastructure crown? This is more than a tale of bricks and mortar—it’s about crafting a legacy.