First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco’s domestic commerce sector participated in comprehensive discussions at Maamora near Salé, bringing together merchants, federations, professional associations, and private operators to address structural challenges within this essential economic sector. The gathering focused on formalizing retail operations while advancing digital integration across small-scale commerce, reported L’Economiste daily this Wednesday. Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour […]
In a measured yet firm response, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, debunked the narrative of the Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf regarding the Sahara issue, during the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Hilale began by recalling that the inclusion of the Sahara issue on the UN […]
Morocco’s trade deficit reached 225.29 billion dirhams through August 2025, increasing 15.5% compared to the corresponding 2024 period, according to Foreign Exchange Office data. This widening gap results from import growth outpacing export expansion despite positive performance in other economic sectors. Imports surged 8.4% to 533.42 billion dirhams while exports grew more moderately at 3.8%, […]
Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, has been sentenced to death in absentia by a military court on charges of treason, war crimes, and conspiracy linked to the brutal M23 rebellion in the country’s east. The verdict, delivered Tuesday (30 September) in Kinshasa, marks a dramatic fall from grace for […]
The Trump administration has backed a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) just as the two-decade-old trade agreement was set to expire on 30 September. While the move offers temporary relief, it has done little to dispel mounting fears over the future of U.S.-Africa trade. AGOA, first passed in 2000, provides […]
Internet shutdowns across Africa have surged in scale and frequency over the past decade, with nearly 200 incidents recorded between 2016 and 2024, according to a new study by the African Digital Rights Network (ADRN). The tactic, often used to suppress dissent and manipulate political outcomes, is being normalized by governments across the continent, researchers […]
With the United States facing growing vulnerabilities in its critical minerals supply chain, a new Brookings Institution study urges Washington to forge stronger partnerships with Africa — home to an estimated 30% of the world’s proven reserves. Critical minerals, essential for sectors from defense to clean energy, are heavily concentrated in a few global regions. […]
Calls for protest by an anonymous group identifying itself as GenZ 212 on social media spiraled into violent unrest in several cities, derailing what were initially intended as peaceful demonstrations. Footage shared online shows masked youths clashing with police, setting fire to banks, and looting businesses in multiple locations across the Souss region. In Inzegane, […]
Morocco’s domestic demand accelerated dramatically to 9.2% growth during second quarter 2025 compared to 6.6% in the corresponding 2024 period, contributing 9.9 points to GDP growth versus 7.1 points previously. The High Commission for Planning’s national accounts confirm consumption and investment’s driving role in the kingdom’s economic recovery. Gross investment levels encompassing fixed capital formation, […]
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Morocco’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BB+’ with a stable outlook. Morocco’s ‘BB+’ ratings reflect sound macroeconomic policies, strong official creditor support, favorable debt profile and comfortable international liquidity buffers, explained the agency in a commentary published on its official website. Fitch indicated that Real GDP growth was stable […]