First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco has uncovered 20 historic shipwrecks beneath its Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, marking a significant milestone in understanding the kingdom’s maritime heritage and prompting new legislative protections for underwater cultural assets. The National Center for Studies and Research in Underwater Cultural Heritage announced the discoveries across several coastal regions, including El Jadida and northern Morocco. […]
The African Development Bank has approved 100 million euros in financing for Morocco’s inclusive agriculture program targeting women and youth, aiming to enhance food security and climate resilience while creating sustainable rural entrepreneurship opportunities. The Support Program for Inclusive Solidarity Agriculture for Women and Youth (PAASIFEJ) will stimulate entrepreneurship in rural areas through adapted financing […]
Morocco has established itself as a major player in global fruit markets, yet a new OECD-FAO report warns the kingdom must balance export success with domestic food security needs to ensure sustainable agricultural development through 2034. The “OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034” highlights Morocco’s strategic positioning alongside Egypt in meeting growing international fruit demand. The report […]
The European Union and Morocco are negotiating a comprehensive partnership agreement focused on migration management and border control, marking a significant deepening of bilateral relations as Brussels seeks to stabilize irregular migration flows from North Africa. European Commission officials confirmed discussions model the framework on existing agreements with Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan, providing financial and […]
Automotive giant Stellantis has inaugurated a major expansion of its Kenitra manufacturing facility, investing 1.2 billion euros to double production capacity and achieve 75 percent local integration by 2030, reinforcing Morocco’s position as Africa’s leading automotive hub. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who officiated the July 16 ceremony, emphasized that the project embodies Morocco’s New Investment […]
North Africa’s wheat import landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, with Black Sea suppliers now controlling 75 percent of the market as European Union share plummets to 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest analysis. The region, comprising Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, represents 15 percent of global wheat imports. During […]
Morocco’s ambitious social protection program will require 39 billion dirhams in funding for 2025, rising to 41 billion dirhams in 2026, as the government expands universal healthcare and direct social assistance, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced Tuesday. Speaking before the Chamber of Counselors during a monthly plenary session on economic policy, Akhannouch detailed the government’s […]
Morocco’s economy is projected to grow 4.4 percent in 2025 and 4 percent in 2026, driven by robust domestic demand and investment, though concerns mount over a widening trade deficit that could reach 20.1 percent of GDP by 2026. The High Commission for Planning’s exploratory economic budget reveals an economy gaining momentum despite global uncertainties. […]
Morocco is moving forward with the operationalization of the national agency for the strategic management of state holdings (ANGSPE), a key institution created to modernize and professionalize the management of public assets, local media reported. Established by decree-law in 2023, the ANGSPE is now entering its implementation phase. It will serve as the central body […]
Morocco’s microfinance sector faces significant transformation as proposed regulations dramatically increase lending limits and introduce new deposit frameworks, positioning microfinance institutions as crucial intermediaries for small business financing. The draft decree, implementing Law 50-20 on microfinance, establishes differentiated credit ceilings based on institutional structure and client profiles. For associative microfinance institutions serving low-income populations, limits […]