Rabat — Morocco’s minister in charge of the budget Fouzi Lekjaa has said that the country’s infrastructure projects for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will directly support the country’s preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a ministerial conference titled “2030 World Cup: Financial, Institutional and Strategic Challenges” at the National School of Public Administration (ENSA), he explained that the government designed the AFCON investments as part of a continuous strategy to prepare for hosting the World Cup five years later.
“The infrastructures, investments and constructions linked to AFCON 2025 integrate into a coherent and progressive approach to prepare for the 2030 World Cup, guaranteeing a lasting legacy and optimized development of Morocco’s sports, economic and territorial spheres,” Lekjaa said.
Massive investment program underway
The government has committed approximately MAD 150 billion ($15 billion) to infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. The program includes construction of a water treatment plant with a capacity of 2 billion cubic meters to meet industrial and domestic needs.
Morocco will finance transportation infrastructure through public-private partnerships, with the state providing annual support of about MAD 1.6 billion ($ million) until 2030, ensuring project continuity and financial viability, according to Lekjaa.
The minister detailed that mobility between host cities remains a central challenge. Morocco has already started developing high-speed rail lines and regional express networks to connect Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, and the southern provinces. These projects will promote territorial and economic integration across the country.
Financial structure protects state budget
Lekjaa stressed that officials designed the financial structure to avoid burdening the general state budget.
Morocco created an innovative financing and operation scheme in partnership with the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) and the National Company for the Realization and Management of Sports Equipment (SONARGES).
This partnership allows for 20-year amortization, guaranteeing investment viability while protecting public finances.
Stadium construction on schedule
The minister announced that construction work on two stadiums for AFCON 2025 will meet precise deadlines.
The Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat will complete construction by July 31, while the Grand Stadium of Tanger will finish by August 15.
Lekjaa positioned this organization within a broader vision that includes other international women’s and continental competitions.
The events will strengthen Morocco’s organizational capabilities while consolidating its long-term sports and economic influence.
Royal vision guides strategy
Lekjaa concluded by reiterating that the 2030 World Cup fits into a comprehensive strategic vision carried by King Mohammed VI.
The goal extends beyond organizing a major sporting event to driving lasting economic, institutional and territorial transformation for Morocco.
The ministerial conference featured Morocco’s commitment to leveraging sports infrastructure investments for long-term national development while establishing the country as a regional leader in hosting international events.