First Independent Mena Newspaper
The United Kingdom has launched a comprehensive new approach to African engagement, pivoting from traditional aid frameworks toward investment-driven partnerships emphasizing trade, climate action, and long-term collaboration. Baroness Chapman of Darlington, UK Minister for Development and Africa, unveiled the policy this week in London before African ambassadors, high commissioners, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and private […]
Morocco’s government has mobilized 121,000 hectares of state-owned agricultural land for 1,700 projects representing 24 billion dirhams in global investment and creating approximately 69,000 jobs. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced strengthened mechanisms supporting development and employment in rural and mountainous zones throughout the kingdom. Responding to parliamentary questions regarding policy toward very small and small […]
The airline Ryanair, in partnership with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), announced on Wednesday at Rabat-Salé Airport the opening of a new base in Rabat from April 2026, its fifth in Morocco, with two aircraft based there, 20 routes operated, and an investment of $200 million. Seven new international routes will connect Rabat to […]
The seventh session of the Morocco-China Joint Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation Commission convened Tuesday in Beijing, focusing on deepening strategic partnerships while addressing bilateral trade imbalances. Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour co-chaired proceedings with Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Zhang Li. The high-level session demonstrates both nations’ commitment to pursuing strategic dialogue initiated by […]
Malaysia Airlines and Royal Air Maroc have signed a codeshare agreement aimed at expanding travel options between Africa, Europe and Asia, the carriers announced Wednesday. The partnership, which links the two oneworld alliance members, will allow passengers to book connecting flights between Casablanca and Kuala Lumpur via Doha, London and Paris. Under the deal, Royal […]
Morocco’s pepper exports hit nearly 190,000 metric tons during the 2024-2025 season, generating more than $240 million and marking the fifth consecutive record, the foreign exchange regulator said. The volume represents a 3.7% increase over last year and caps an average annual growth rate of 13% over the past five years, the regulator said in […]
Morocco has secured €450 million funding from German Development Bank (KfW) under three agreements inked Tuesday in Rabat by Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa and Director of the German Bank for North Africa Daniela Beckmann. KfW is providing Morocco €100 million to enhance the Kingdom’s resilience to climate change and supporting […]
As Morocco’s tourism and travel industry are booming, IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced plans to launch a luxury hotel in Morocco in Q4 2026. IHG said it signed a franchise agreement with Sirayane Hospitality, a local hospitality investor and operator, to develop Kimpton Marrakech, a 67-key luxury […]
On Tuesday, December 16, Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Dr. Abdallahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya, received a delegation from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) in Nouakchott to sign a US$30 million budget support agreement. The delegation was led by Dr Mahmoud Khan, Director of Operations for Africa, and included Mr. […]
Morocco’s Foreign Exchange Office has introduced groundbreaking reforms allowing accredited agents to utilize electronic payment terminals for currency purchases against dirhams using international bank cards. Clients can also receive dirham-loaded prepaid cards, creating seamless circuits between international payment methods and the domestic economy. The measure responds to sustained international payment growth. According to the Foreign […]