First Independent Mena Newspaper
Kenya’s lucrative rose export industry faces mounting challenges as the European Union tightens regulations against the false codling moth, a devastating pest threatening flower shipments. The industry, worth over $800 million and employing half a million people, sees roses accounting for 66% of cut flower exports at approximately $300 million. The EU’s intensifying measures have […]
A wave of public outrage has erupted across Nigeria as leading telecom providers MTN and Airtel implement steep data price increases amid mounting economic challenges. MTN, the country’s largest network operator, has tripled its popular 15GB weekly bundle price from 2,000 to 6,000 naira, sparking fierce criticism from subscribers already grappling with soaring living costs. […]
In a push towards green mobility, Morocco announced its plan to buy 7000 urban buses, half of which will be electric, ahead of the World Cup due in 2030, industry and trade minister Ryad Mezzour said. A deal has been reached with the interior ministry to renew the bus fleet before the World Cup, he […]
Moroccan company Somagec has signed a preliminary deal to build a power link between Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for $1.3 billion. The project will bolster the integration of the region’s energy market, in an area where access to electricity is still low. The high-voltage transmission lines will also enable Angola to […]
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit held in Paris Feb.10-11 was marked by debates and brainstorming sessions attended by global leaders and stakeholders. The event resulted in the adoption of a Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet. Sixty countries and organizations, including Morocco, agreed on “key priorities” to guide […]
Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown and Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces & Commander of the Southern Zone Lt. Gen. Mohammed Berrid have reaffirmed commitment to advancing security cooperation activities between the two countries to improve security in the Sahel and Maghreb regions. During a phone conversation […]
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended Morocco’s tax reforms which enabled an enlargement of the tax base, narrowed the fiscal deficit and helped finance key reforms. “As a result, tax revenues in 2024 have been greater than expected. With only a small part of the additional tax revenues being saved, the central government’s deficit for […]
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development injected 38.4 million euros-via a green bond issuance- in Moroccan rail operator ONCF, as the latter expands its network. “Issuing the bond will partially refinance the debt from ONCF’s latest development round designed to modernize and electrify the network; acquire and upgrade electric rolling stock; address safety units […]
Karlina Valeiko, deputy digital editor at National Geographic Traveller, has succumbed to the charm of Essaouira and to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic scene, praising the Moroccan Atlantic port city for blending Amazigh, Arabic, and European influences to create a unique atmosphere that continues to attract visitors. Over the centuries, the city’s famed […]
Egypt’s urban inflation rate has experienced a slight reduction for the fourth consecutive month, falling to 24% in January, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) on February 10. This marks a modest decline from the 24.1% recorded in December 2024. On a year-on-year comparison, inflation has dropped by 0.8 percentage […]