First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco has rapidly equipped millions of citizens with digital wallets but is struggling to convert infrastructure into daily payment behavior. According to an analysis by Aurora Strategy Consulting, the country counted 13.8 million open wallets at end-2024 and approximately 3.8 million active ones — an activity rate of 18 percent and an adult equipment rate […]
Tunisia recorded a significant increase in suspicious transaction reports (STRs) linked to money laundering and terrorist financing between 2020 and 2025, according to a strategic analysis bulletin from the Tunisian Financial Analysis Commission (CTAF). The data show that STRs rose from 446 in 2020 to 1,334 in 2025, representing an increase of 888 reports, or […]
Morocco and South Korea have stepped up negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with officials aiming to reach a preliminary understanding by August and conclude the pact before the end of the year, minister in charge of trade said. The proposed agreement would go beyond traditional tariff reductions to cover investment, industrial production […]
Morocco’s textile and leather exports fell 9.1% by end-May 2026, according to data from the Office des Changes, with ready-made garments down 8.2% and knitwear declining 11.8%. The sector has failed to recover since a first quarter was already marked by falling exports, but analysts say that weather and logistics disruptions no longer account for […]
The “exceptional” economic partnership between Morocco and France is “a model for the rest of Africa,” French Junior Minister for Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier said. “This is an exceptional economic partnership built on a shared vision, with both countries believing that international trade is a driver of success and development for peoples and future generations, […]
Morocco is now linked to 169 airports spread across 62 countries via 453 air routes, confirming the continued expansion of the kingdom’s international aviation network, according to data reported by La Vie Éco. The figures point to a sustained build-out of connectivity that has accelerated significantly over the past two decades. The growth in routes […]
Carmaker Stellantis has outlined a plan to expand its operations in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region through 2030, identifying Morocco as a central pillar of its industrial strategy during a presentation to regional media. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis chief operating officer for the Middle East and Africa, told reporters the group is targeting a […]
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has released on July 2 its June 2026 production and revenue figures, disclosing robust oil and gas output alongside significant financial inflows under its transparency and disclosure framework. Total crude oil production for the month reached 41,867,126 barrels, with 29,950,320 barrels allocated to the Libyan state and 10,909,540 barrels assigned […]
Port Sudan handled 15,593 containers, equivalent to 26,019 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), during June 2026, according to the Sea Ports Corporation. The state-owned operator said the Southern Port received 30 vessels last month, comprising 15 container ships and 15 non-container vessels. Imported cargo accounted for 8,157 containers (13,615 TEUs), representing 52.33% of total traffic, while […]
Morocco has inaugurated a third production line at Amiblu Maroc, a specialist manufacturer of glass fibre-reinforced polyester (GRP) piping systems, in a $17 million-investment designed to strengthen the country’s industrial capacity in water infrastructure and create more than 300 jobs. Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour presided over the inauguration ceremony at the company’s […]