First Independent Mena Newspaper
Addressing non-tariff measures and fostering regulatory convergence could unlock $7.1 billion in annual welfare gains, boost intra-Africa trade by 6%, and raise wages across the continent, says a recent report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). While highlighting the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the […]
Trade among African countries within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is hampered by inefficient border procedures, complex documentation requirements and the lack of harmonization of regulatory regimes, all of which create major business obstacles, a new report by TradeMark Africa (TMA) says. The report, titled ‘Trade Facilitation Report: Driving African Trade through Digitalization’, […]
As Morocco expands its rail network, it also works to become a manufacturing hub with the first Morocco-made trains expected to be on the market in 2030, Mohamed Samouni head of Morocco Train Industry Cluster said. Speaking to Medias24, he noted that Moroccan train exports will have to wait until 2035. Samouni, who is also […]
Morocco will spend 1.4 billion dollars next year to promote employment, including through different training programs and measures in the countryside, the head of the government said. Unemployment has surged in Morocco in recent years to hit an unprecedented 13.6% as drought forces the farming sector to shed more jobs in the countryside. The budget […]
Finance minister Nadia Fattah Alaoui said the introduction of cryptocurrencies in Morocco would help promote financial inclusion provided they are governed by a sound legal framework. The Moroccan central bank said a draft law was undergoing the process of adoption ending a ban that has been in place since 2017. The central bank was also […]
The International Monetary Fund has urged Libyan authorities to prioritize spending through an approved and unified 2025 budget to prevent pro-cyclical expenditure and enhance resource management. The IMF announced on December 10 that Libya’s recovery in oil production has led to an upward revision of the country’s GDP growth forecast for 2025. In its report […]
Apple Pay, Apple’s mobile payment and digital wallet service, has officially launched in Egypt, December 10, marking a major milestone in the nation’s digital payment evolution. Users can now make secure, contactless transactions through Apple devices such as iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs. The initial rollout includes partnerships with the National Bank of Egypt, […]
Ghana’s former president, John Dramani Mahama, has reclaimed the nation’s highest office following a decisive electoral victory. With just over 56% of the votes, he outpaced Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat and garnered about 41%. Mahama’s return comes amid deep economic hardships and high living costs that left voters eager for change. He […]
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has extended Morocco a €104.7 million loan to boost the water sector in the Kingdom. The funding is destined to speed up the digitalization processes of the National Office for Electricity and Drinkable Water (ONEE), boost drinking water production in several urban areas (Asfalou, Bouhouda and Agourai), and improve the […]
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas affirmed that the EU can “rely on Morocco to strengthen our long-standing relations and address challenges together.” “I know we can count on Morocco to reinforce our long-standing relations and tackle challenges together,” stated Kallas following a phone conversation on Monday with Moroccan Foreign […]