First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco’s government will implement a significant increase in the parafiscal solidarity tax on insurance contracts, raising the rate from 1 percent to 1.5 percent. The amendment, scheduled for approval by decree at this Thursday’s Council meeting, aims to strengthen the nation’s disaster response capabilities following recent catastrophic events. The additional revenue will flow directly into […]
Tigray is once again at the brink of conflict, as unresolved political disputes, contested territory, and a fragile ceasefire fuel rising fears of renewed war in Ethiopia’s northern region. Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, head of Tigray’s Interim Administration, has warned that federal attempts to return internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Western Tigray without consultation threaten […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an ambitious plan to reclaim monetary control by reversing decades of deep-rooted dollar dependence. Newly appointed Central Bank Governor André Wameso has placed restoring confidence in the Congolese franc (CDF) at the heart of his mandate. Today, nearly 90% of Congo’s transactions — from mineral exports to daily […]
Morocco’s onion exports reached unprecedented levels during the 2024-2025 season, with the shipping of 64,900 tons worth $238 million after authorities lifted West African export restrictions. According to specialized platform EastFruit, this performance represents a 4.8-fold increase from the previous season and exceeds the previous 2022-2023 record by three percent. The remarkable recovery follows a […]
In the shadow of official diplomacy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a central — but often overlooked — force in Africa’s escalating conflicts, according to observers and experts on the region. “Most people blame the United States, while others are suspicious of China … however, … the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is […]
Morocco has emerged as a significant cultural force internationally, deploying strategic soft power initiatives through music, cinema, and artistic expression. The North African kingdom’s carefully orchestrated approach combines institutional support with grassroots creative energy to project a distinctive cultural identity across African, European, and Middle Eastern markets. The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira, recognized […]
Tunisia’s textile exports grew by 2.61 percent in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 3.94 billion dinars (€1.18 billion), according to Economy and Planning Minister Samir Abdelhafidh. Speaking at a seminar held in Monastir on Wednesday, August 27, he projected that exports could total 9.36 billion dinars […]
Africa is rapidly emerging as China’s most dynamic export market, fueled by a combination of shifting global trade dynamics, aggressive Chinese investment, and growing demand for infrastructure. As Bloomberg calculations based on China Customs data have revealed, in the first seven months of 2025 alone, Chinese exports to Africa soared 25% year-on-year to $122 billion […]
Morocco and Spain are currently engaged in direct negotiations aimed at defining their maritime boundaries in line with international law, foreign minister Nasser Bourita said. Speaking at an international seminar on maritime border delimitations, Bourita explained that the process will be conducted in full respect of Morocco’s national sovereignty, particularly in the southern provinces. He […]
The world football governing body is in advanced discussions for installing the headquarters of the 2030 World Cup in the Moroccan capital Rabat, according to British “City AM” business news platform. The FIFA world Cup 2030 will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with the opening three games to be held in Paraguay, Argentina […]