First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco’s central bank is widely expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 2.25% when its policy council convenes on March 17, in what would mark the fourth consecutive pause in the current monetary cycle. Despite domestic macroeconomic conditions that would ordinarily justify further easing, geopolitical turbulence stemming from the Middle East conflict has prompted […]
A special event held in the provincial city of Azilal on the occasion of International Women’s Day has highlighted the growing role of female entrepreneurship as a driver of local development and economic empowerment in one of Morocco’s most rural regions. Organized under the banner of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), the gathering […]
Chocolate prices jumped nearly 18% across the European Union in 2025, marking the steepest increase of any food product, following a historic spike in cocoa costs driven by West African drought and plant disease. West Africa, notably Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire, are the world’s main cocoa‑growing region, which pushed supplies to their lowest levels in […]
Morocco ranks among the must-visit destinations for summer 2026, alongside Spain, Portugal and Italy, according to an analysis published by HolidayCheck, one of the largest travel portals in the German-speaking world. The analysis, based on millions of searches and bookings with more than 60 tour operators, highlights the growing interest of travelers in the Kingdom, […]
Heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and domestic market dynamics have contributed to a sharp pullback on the MASI at the Casablanca Stock Exchange, following a strong rally that marked the end of 2025 and early 2026, a recent report by Attijari Global Research (AGR) showed Despite solid corporate earnings, the Moroccan equity market experienced […]
Morocco’s industrial sector closed 2025 on a solid footing, with the manufacturing production index — excluding petroleum refining — growing 4% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2024, according to figures released by the High Commission for Planning (HCP). The expansion was driven by strong performances across several branches. Pharmaceutical manufacturing […]
Danish tug owning group Svitzer has announced supporting container ships at the Tanger Med II terminal with five ASD tugs with 90 tons of bollard pull — Svitzer Al Hoceima, Svitzer Chefchaouen, Svitzer Tanger, Svitzer Tetouan and 2025-built Svitzer Ouezzane. The leading harbor and terminal towage provider also owns three pilot boats at Tanger Med […]
Morocco will host the ninth joint ministerial meeting between the Kingdom and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in a decision announced during the eighth edition of the forum held via videoconference. The GCC’s invitation reflects a deliberate recognition of Morocco’s expanding diplomatic role and its deepening strategic partnership with the Gulf bloc. […]
Morocco’s long‑term investment in strategic port infrastructure has taken on renewed significance as global supply chains face mounting disruption and major economies move to assert tighter control over maritime gateways. In a world marked by geopolitical rivalry, fragile logistics and growing scrutiny of foreign influence, ports have become instruments of sovereignty, resilience and economic security. […]
Morocco is expected to export nearly 550,000 tons of mandarins in the 2025/26 season, reaffirming its place among the world’s leading exporters despite mounting climate pressures and intensifying competition, Moroccan daily L’Economiste reported. Mandarins and clementines now make up around 83% of Morocco’s total citrus exports, a concentration that has helped the country regularly rank […]