Daily Press Review - Thursday, May 16, 2024

Gitex Africa Morocco 2024: A Promising Second Edition Focused on Technological Innovation (Le Matin du Sahara)

The second edition of Gitex Africa Morocco, taking place from May 29 to 31 in Marrakech under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is shaping up to be an exceptional and exciting event. This major platform will bring together technology leaders from around the world to explore the latest trends and innovations in the digital field.

This edition has generated considerable interest, evidenced by the number of exhibitors reaching 500 this year. More than 800 startups and 50,000 visitors from 130 countries are also expected. This record participation confirms Morocco's position as a digital innovation hub in Africa.

Gitex Africa Morocco 2024 will offer a unique opportunity for public and private sector players in the digital field to meet, share experiences, and form strategic partnerships. The event will also highlight Morocco's efforts to promote digital transformation and technological innovation.

Artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, and smart cities will be at the heart of the discussions during this edition. Renowned experts will share their insights and analyses on these key topics, and workshops and conferences will be organized to allow participants to deepen their knowledge.

Morocco's NEET Youth: HCP Sheds Light on the Situation and Confirms Inequalities (Le Matin du Sahara)

The High Commission for Planning (HCP) has published an in-depth study on NEET youth in Morocco, confirming the findings of the CESE and providing a clearer understanding of the factors contributing to this worrying phenomenon.

The HCP study, based on the 2022 national employment survey, reveals that 25.2% of Moroccan youth aged 15 to 24 are in a NEET situation (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). This represents an alarming figure of 1.5 million young people marginalized from the labor market and educational system.

The analysis highlights significant disparities based on gender, education level, and geographical location.

Moroccan Economy Shows Strong Resilience According to EBRD (Le Matin du Sahara)

According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Moroccan economy is expected to continue its upward trend in 2024 and 2025, with growth rates of 3% and 3.6% respectively. This positive performance is attributed to a recovery in external demand and an increase in public investments.

In the SEMED (Southern and Eastern Mediterranean) region as a whole, the EBRD forecasts an acceleration of average growth, rising from 2.7% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025. This upward trend is supported by economic stabilization efforts and reforms implemented in the region's countries.

However, individual country performances in the region are expected to vary. Egypt is projected to show the strongest growth, with 3.9% in 2024 and 4.4% in 2025. Tunisia is also expected to see a vigorous recovery, increasing from 0.4% in 2023 to 1.9% in 2024 and 2% in 2025, thanks to reform efforts and fiscal consolidation.

World Bank Involves Morocco in a Mega Continental Road Corridor Project (Aujourd'hui le Maroc)

Morocco could play a crucial role in the realization of an ambitious continental road corridor project linking the country to the rest of Africa. This proposal was made by the World Bank during a meeting between Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, and Guangzh Chen, Vice President of the World Bank for Infrastructure.

The objective of this continental project is to stimulate the development of road infrastructure in Africa and facilitate trade between the continent's countries. Morocco, recognized for its expertise in transport and road infrastructure at the continental level, is considered a key partner for this large-scale project.

The World Bank has expressed its willingness to work closely with Morocco on this project. This collaboration could translate into financing and/or expertise transfer from the international institution.

In addition to financial and technical support, the World Bank has also proposed to assist Morocco in strengthening the skills of its human resources in key areas such as energy transition, ports, roads, and water.

Mexican Women Entrepreneurs Explore Business Opportunities in Dakhla (Aujourd'hui le Maroc)

A delegation of 16 Mexican women entrepreneurs visited Dakhla for two days to explore the economic potential of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. This initiative is part of efforts to promote the development of Morocco's southern provinces and attract foreign investment.

The Mexican entrepreneurs were warmly welcomed by local authorities and had the opportunity to discover the natural and cultural wealth of the region. They also visited several ongoing development projects, witnessing the dynamic economic growth in the southern provinces.

During meetings with government officials and local economic actors, the Mexican entrepreneurs learned about the business opportunities offered by the region. They showed particular interest in the agri-food, tourism, handicrafts, and renewable energy sectors.

This visit established initial contacts between the Mexican entrepreneurs and local economic players. Commercial and investment partnerships could materialize in the coming months, contributing to the economic development of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region.

Ayam Immo: The 2nd Edition of BCP Group's Luxury Real Estate Show Series Kicks Off Strong (Les Inspirations Eco)

The Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) Group has launched the second edition of Ayam Immo, its series of regional exhibitions dedicated to luxury real estate. This significant event brings together a variety of key players in the real estate sector, such as developers, real estate agencies, notaries, architects, and financing experts, to offer future buyers a seamless and personalized customer experience.

Ayam Immo stands out for its customer-centric approach, offering an integrated and tailored experience. Visitors can explore a wide selection of high-end properties, receive expert advice from experienced professionals, and explore the various financing solutions offered by the BCP Group.

Organized on the weekends of May and June 2024, Ayam Immo will tour Morocco's main regions, starting in Marrakech and then moving to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Agadir. This national coverage will allow a broad audience to discover the latest trends in the high-end real estate market and meet the most reputable players in the sector.

Fishing, a Pillar of the National Blue Economy: Mohamed Sadiki Calls for Responsible Practices (Les Inspirations Eco)

The Minister of Maritime Fisheries, Mohamed Sadiki, emphasized the crucial role of the fishing sector in the development of the national blue economy during the opening of the 3rd edition of the International Forum of the Fishing Industry in Morocco. He also urged industry companies to adopt more responsible and sustainable practices.

Minister Sadiki reiterated that fishing is a strategic sector for the Moroccan economy, contributing to food security, job creation, and income generation. He highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing for the preservation of marine resources and environmental protection.

In light of environmental challenges and the need to preserve fish stocks, Minister Sadiki called on industry companies to adopt more responsible practices. He specifically urged for the reduction of the ecological footprint of fishing activities, the use of more selective fishing techniques, and the enhancement of fishery products.

Morocco Reaffirms Its Position on the Sahara at the C24 Seminar in Venezuela (Al Bayane)

A significant Moroccan delegation, led by Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN, is participating in the C24 regional seminar for the Caribbean, held in Caracas, Venezuela, from May 14 to 16, 2024. This seminar provides an opportunity for Morocco to present the latest developments on the Moroccan Sahara issue and to reaffirm its firm stance on this matter.

The Moroccan delegation will emphasize the growing international support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, a credible and realistic political solution for the regional dispute over the Sahara. The Moroccan Initiative has garnered the support of over 107 UN member states, and the opening of around thirty consulates general in Laayoune and Dakhla demonstrates international recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.

Morocco will also highlight the socio-economic and infrastructural progress made in the two regions of the Moroccan Sahara. These achievements, which cover all aspects of daily life for the Sahrawi population, demonstrate Morocco's commitment to the development and prosperity of the region.