First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco’s progression to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sealed with a well-deserved victory over the Netherlands in Monterrey, has reinforced how football has become one of the vehicles for the country’s growing soft power and international visibility. Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a 1–1 draw on June 29, advancing […]
Mauritania and China have signed a MoU in Nouakchott on 29 June for the partial cancellation of Mauritania’s debt, marking a fresh step in bilateral economic cooperation. The agreement was signed by Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs and Development Abdallahy Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya and Chinese Ambassador Tang Zhongdong. Speaking at the ceremony, the […]
Algeria and Austria faced mounting criticism over sportsmanship after their dramatic 3-3 draw at the 2026 World Cup, a result that sent both teams into the knockout stage while eliminating Iran. The match unfolded under unusual circumstances, with both sides aware that a draw would guarantee qualification. That context shaped the contest and has since […]
Morocco is moving ahead with a 6-billion-dirham ($600 million) investment program to expand fuel storage capacity and improve supply security, as authorities seek to strengthen the resilience of the country’s liberalized petroleum market despite the continued absence of domestic refining capacity. Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali told parliament on Monday that the program aims to […]
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region should treat its current wave of geopolitical, economic, and technological shocks as an opportunity to rethink growth models and accelerate structural reforms, according to Jihad Azour, director of the International Monetary Fund’s Middle East and Central Asia department. Speaking Monday in Rabat at the opening of the […]
Morocco secured a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time. The Round of 32 clash was played at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The opening 15 minutes of the first half were […]
Guinea-Bissau has reiterated its steadfast and unwavering position in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region, and lauded the royal initiatives destined to support Africa’s progress and development. The supportive stand was expressed by Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fatumata Jau, in a statement to the press […]
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group plans to channel more than €700 million into Morocco during 2026, according to EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, who made the announcement during her first official visit to the kingdom since taking up the role. Calviño noted that the partnership between the EIB and Morocco has accelerated markedly in […]
Moroccan and Chinese Customs administrations have signed lately three cooperation agreements to enhance further trade exchanges and economic ties between the two countries. They agreed to provide mutual administrative assistance and recognize the two countries’ Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, an international certification proving that a business customs controls comply with rules and standards set […]
U.S. senior Presidential advisor Massad Boulos has denied press reports circulated by the Algerian regime and its Polisario puppet alleging termination of his mission over the Sahara issue and his re-assignment as U.S. ambassador to UAE. Massad Boulos has rejected the false and baseless reports, affirming that he maintains his current job as top advisor […]