First Independent Mena Newspaper
The business and investment opportunities offered in Morocco in various sectors were highlighted by Chief of Morocco’s Agency for Investment & Export Development during a TV program broadcast by Euronews. Morocco had the fifth highest GDP in Africa in 2024, while S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the country’s credit rating to BB+ with a positive […]
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced that the majority of his $200 billion fortune will be spent over the next two decades on transforming health and education across Africa. Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Gates called for bold investments in human potential as the key to unlocking prosperity across the continent. […]
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) downgraded its 2025 projections Monday, forecasting fewer than five billion air trips this year compared to the previously anticipated 5.22 billion, as the aviation sector faces mounting economic uncertainties. During IATA’s annual general assembly in New Delhi, the organization revised industry profit expectations to $36 billion, down $600 million […]
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 […]