The XI of the week: historic recognition from the Gulf and promising agricultural prospects after Eid

This week’s “Walaw” XI comes at a particularly significant moment for Morocco, where diplomacy, economic developments, and social initiatives intersect during a pivotal period for public policy.

On the international stage, the clear stance taken by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in response to Iranian attacks targeting several Arab states has drawn notable recognition from Gulf countries. This diplomatic sequence unfolded during a ministerial meeting led by Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita.

Domestically, the government is highlighting encouraging economic indicators. Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch announced that growth in the agricultural sector could reach nearly 15%, supported in particular by improved climate conditions. In the same vein, Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka expressed optimism, stating that Morocco has likely passed the most difficult period and that the expected rainfall should bring renewed vitality to rural areas.

Between diplomatic consolidation and positive economic signals, the executive branch is therefore approaching the period leading up to Eid with a focus on growth and stability.

The tactical formation of the week: 4-3-3

The 4-3-3 formation selected this week reflects a deliberate balance between three major dimensions of national news: the defense of sovereignty, the implementation of economic and social reforms, and a diplomatic and economic offensive driven by public institutions and private sector actors.

Goalkeeper

(The institutional and organizational safeguard)

1 – Abdelouafi Laftit
Minister of the Interior

In the role of the last line of defense, Abdelouafi Laftit continues his efforts to strengthen the territorial administration. The recent partial reshuffle within the corps of local authorities is part of an administrative renewal strategy aimed at improving the effectiveness of public action on the ground.

This strategic adjustment comes ahead of several upcoming institutional and logistical milestones.

Defensive line

(Guardians of sovereignty and Morocco’s diplomatic projection)

2 – Nasser Bourita: The leader of the defense
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates

A central figure in Moroccan diplomacy, Bourita continues an active international agenda. After positions praised in several Gulf capitals, he represented His Majesty the King in Chile to strengthen Morocco’s presence in Latin America. He then headed to Paris for consultations with his French counterpart as part of a bilateral partnership that Rabat and Paris aim to maintain at a strategic level.

3 – Rachid Talbi Alami
President of the House of Representatives

In the role of parliamentary defender, Talbi Alami continues to strengthen Moroccan parliamentary diplomacy. Tasked with representing the Kingdom at the inauguration of the new President of Chile, he confirms the growing role of Parliament in Morocco’s international outreach.

4 – Azzedine El Midaoui
Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation

At the heart of the human capital reform agenda, El Midaoui highlights progress in university reform. The ambition is clear: to make Moroccan universities a central driver of training, innovation, and employability.

5 – Abdelkader Amara
President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council

Taking a more strategic perspective, Amara brings back a crucial issue: the fight against food waste. This matter goes beyond the social dimension and directly relates to food security and economic sovereignty.

Midfield line

(Architects of decision-making and social transformation)

6 – Naïma Ben Yahya
Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family

From New York, the minister represented Morocco in an international debate focused on access to justice for women victims of violence. Her intervention aligns with the reforms undertaken by the Kingdom to strengthen rights protection and support vulnerable populations.

8 – Aziz Akhannouch: The captain
Head of Government

As the conductor of government action, Aziz Akhannouch stood out this week on the international stage by representing His Majesty the King at the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris.

In a global context marked by energy challenges, Morocco aims to continue its diversification strategy while maintaining its leadership in renewable energy.

Beyond energy issues, the Head of Government emphasized Morocco’s capacity to transform economic challenges into reform opportunities, guided by the strategic vision of the royal orientations.

10 – Hicham Balaoui
President of the Public Prosecution

From an institutional perspective, Balaoui is reinforcing policies aimed at facilitating access to justice for vulnerable groups. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are at the center of this approach designed to strengthen the social dimension of the rule of law.

Forward line

7 – Fatim-Zahra Ammor
Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy

On the economic front, Ammor continues to diversify Morocco’s tourism offer. The development of rural and mountain tourism aims to enhance local territories and generate new regional economic dynamics.

9 – Moulay Hafid Elalamy
Chairman and CEO of the Saham Group

A prominent figure in the private sector, Elalamy is undertaking a strategic repositioning by focusing more strongly on Africa as the main area for investment. This move aligns with Morocco’s broader African strategy.

11 – Chakib Alj
President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM)

In a symbolic but meaningful gesture, Chakib Alj called on private sector companies to grant employees an exceptional day off for Eid Al-Fitr. The initiative aims to bring the working rhythms of the private sector closer to those of the public sector during major national and religious celebrations.

New players in this week’s XI

• Azzedine El Midaoui, with the strategic file of university reform.
• Moulay Hafid Elalamy, for his economic repositioning toward Africa.
• Chakib Alj, thanks to a social initiative welcomed in the business community.

Players returning to the XI

• Rachid Talbi Alami, on the parliamentary diplomatic stage.
• Abdelkader Amara, with a strategic approach to food security.
• Naïma Ben Yahya, active internationally in New York.
• Fatim-Zahra Ammor, engaged in the momentum of territorial tourism.
• Hicham Balaoui, with policies strengthening access to justice.

Continuity of performance

• Abdelouafi Laftit continues consolidating the territorial administration.
• Nasser Bourita confirms his consistency as a pillar of Moroccan diplomacy.
• Aziz Akhannouch maintains the course of government action between economic announcements and international engagement.

Ultimately, this week’s “Walaw XI” provides a cross-sectional reading of Morocco’s political moment, combining active diplomacy, economic reforms, and social initiatives.

The match continues… and the team appears to be moving forward with greater cohesion as the period following the Eid celebrations approaches.
To consult last week’s XI (March 1–7, 2026):https://en.walaw.press/article/GQPPWGXQWQGL