First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco continues its military modernization drive with U.S. Defense Department’s approval for a $260 million acquisition of 612 FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missiles and 200 portable launchers, reinforcing the kingdom’s defense capabilities amid regional security challenges. The U.S. Department of Defense authorized the transaction on May 31, 2025, following preliminary approval from the Defense Security Cooperation […]
Algeria is grappling with a deepening currency crisis as the Algerian dinar continues its relentless slide, raising alarm over the country’s economic stability, inflationary pressures, and the sustainability of state finances. Since late 2019, the dinar has lost significant value against the euro, falling from 204 dinars per euro in December 2019 to over 260 […]
In a dramatic pivot away from traditional regional alliances, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have deepened their collaboration under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aiming to reclaim sovereignty and reshape their economic future, including through the planned launch of common currency. Born out of frustration with ECOWAS and external pressures, the AES is fast-tracking […]
Morocco has officially dismantled the near-monopoly held by le Centre Monétique Interbancaire (CMI) over electronic payment terminals, marking a major shift in the country’s digital economy and financial sector. The reform, which took effect on May 1, 2025, allows banks, fintech firms, and independent payment providers to directly offer point-of-sale (POS) services to merchants, a […]
The UK has endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most credible basis to resolve the Sahara issue, as it also looks to deepen economic ties with Morocco, building on 800 years of relations. The United Kingdom has opened a “new era” in its ties with Morocco with the recognition of the autonomy plan for the […]
King Mohammed VI has outlined a roadmap for achieving a comprehensive and sustainable development in Africa, based on four key pillars, namely changing the model used for development financing; creating an institutional, economic, and social environment conducive to development; increasing and stimulating intra-African trade; and increasing the value of the continent’s abundant natural resources. These […]
Morocco and the UK have agreed to strengthen cooperation in various development areas at the end of their strategic dialogue, which wrapped up with the support of the UK for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara. In a joint statement issued after the dialogue, attended by foreign secretary David Lammy, the two countries signed a […]
Morocco’s automotive sector, phosphates, agri-food and the aerospace industry exports showed resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties and helped mitigate an expanding trade deficit in the first four months this year. Home to production plants by Stellantis Renault and part suppliers, the automotive sector sold 49 billion dirhams, down 7%, topping all industrial […]
In a decisive stride towards climate resilience, the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced plans to establish a dedicated Carbon Markets Support Facility aimed at galvanizing carbon finance across Africa. Recognising the continent’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters, this pioneering initiative seeks to unlock new streams of investment by formalizing and scaling carbon credit trading. […]
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is set to bolster its fleet with the delivery of two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, scheduled to arrive on May 31 and June 2, respectively, Le360 reported. The order is part of the national carrier’s broader strategy to expand and modernize its operations amid growing demand for air travel. These […]