First Independent Mena Newspaper
The Royal Moroccan Navy has participated lately in a naval surface fire support (NSFS) exercise with U.S. ballistic missile defense ship USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) while operating in the Atlantic Ocean. This joint exercise, “Handshake’’, involves warships providing artillery or missile fire for troops ashore, practicing coordination with ground forces to simulate clearing enemy […]
Morocco is on the verge of securing UNESCO status for its iconic caftan, a garment that embodies centuries of craftsmanship and cultural identity. The inscription on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is expected to be announced in the coming days, marking a historic milestone for the kingdom. The caftan, celebrated for its intricate […]
Agadir, Morocco’s second-largest tourist destination, is undergoing a major green transformation as part of preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with more than 30,000 trees planted across nearly 200 hectares surrounding the Grand Stadium. The trees are part of a sweeping landscaping project aimed at creating […]
Morocco’s external debt eased slightly in 2024 to $67.99 billion, down from a peak of $69.63 billion in 2023, according to the World Bank, which notes the debt was sustainable. In its International Debt Report 2025, the World Bank notes that the decline marks the end of a three-year upward trend and reflects the kingdom’s […]
Former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki believes the Maghreb is entering a decisive phase, driven by a new United Nations approach to the Sahara dispute and mounting political turmoil in Tunisia. In an exclusive interview with le360, Marzouki argues these developments confirm Morocco’s growing diplomatic centrality while exposing Algeria’s need to reckon the failure of its […]
Morocco’s parliament validated the 2026 Finance Bill on Friday, December 5, just 47 days after government submission on October 20. The Chamber of Representatives approved the legislation in second reading following Thursday’s green light from the Chamber of Advisors, completing an expedited budget marathon. The rapid adoption enables the current governing majority to implement major […]
The Moroccan Copyright and Neighboring Rights Bureau has issued a statement clarifying its mandate and the legal foundation for collecting royalties from establishments exploiting protected works. The announcement addresses circulating misinformation regarding the legal basis for charges imposed on businesses broadcasting or using artistic content. The office emphasized that Article 2 of Law 25-19, adopted […]
Moroccan OCP Group and UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have joined forces to advance agricultural transformation, low-carbon industrial development, digital innovation and skills development across Africa and globally. The two partners have signed a 5-year renewable agreement to establish strategic cooperation in plant nutrition and inclusive and sustainable industrial development. They pledged to strengthen integrated […]
Morocco’s industrial and construction sectors displayed overall recovery during the third quarter of 2025 despite marked disparities across branches, with generally favorable prospects for the fourth quarter, according to the High Commission for Planning’s latest economic outlook. Manufacturing production advanced during the third quarter, driven by chemical industry, food industry, and non-metallic mineral products manufacturing. […]
The Étoile d’Or Grand Prix of the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival has been awarded to Franco-Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehire’s “Promised Sky,” announced the Jury of the official competition during the closing ceremony that took place on Saturday night at Marrakech’s Congress Palace. During this ceremony attended by cinema stars as well as figures from […]