Daily Press Review - June 14, 2024

Educational Development in Morocco: Assessment of the Academic Year 2023-2024

The Ministry of National Education of Morocco has reported positively on the academic year 2023-2024, highlighting significant advances in various aspects of the education system under the leadership of Chakib Benmoussa.

From the outset, the ministry emphasized a notable increase in student enrollment, a significant strengthening of educational offerings, especially in rural areas, and concerted efforts to combat school dropout rates. According to the data released, initiatives to expand preschool education have led to an increase in enrollment rates for children aged 4 to 5 years, reaching 78.7%. Additionally, the dropout rate has decreased by 12%, indicating improvement in student retention.

Despite initial challenges during the school year, such as successive strikes that paralyzed public schools for over three months, indicators published by the ministry demonstrate significant development across all educational sectors for the year 2023-2024. Considerable efforts were made to expand educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas, while maintaining teaching quality.

The school year also saw the continuation of social support programs aimed at reducing dropout rates, with a total of 4,459,478 students benefiting from the Royal Initiative "One Million Schoolbags" in rural areas during this period. Additionally, school feeding services benefited 1,040,615 students and school transportation served 580,266 students, with 83.3% in rural areas.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara
 

Diplomatic Tensions at the UN: Omar Hilale Denounces Algerian Maneuvers

During recent sessions of the UN Committee of 24, Moroccan Ambassador Omar Hilale strongly reacted to accusations by Algerian Ambassador Amar Benjama, labeling his statements as deceitful and false. Hilale appealed to the international community and the Algerian people regarding Algeria's attacks against Morocco and its national interests.

In his statements, Hilale denounced Algeria for introducing three individuals whom he labeled as traitors, funded to sabotage discussions on the Moroccan Sahara and to attack the kingdom's sacred institutions. He emphasized that this maneuver is indicative of Algeria's failure in supporting separatism.

The Moroccan ambassador also harshly criticized the Algerian government for spending substantial resources to suborn individuals hostile to Morocco. He highlighted the stark contrast between these extravagant expenditures and the economic difficulties faced by the Algerian people, illustrating what he described as misplaced priorities of the Algerian government.

Responding to the Algerian ambassador's claims regarding human rights, Hilale affirmed that Morocco has opened its doors to a dozen mandate holders of the Human Rights Council's special procedures, including visits to the Moroccan Sahara, contrary to Algerian claims regarding the Tindouf camps.

Hilale concluded by urging the Algerian ambassador to consider the rights of Algerian citizens, particularly the Kabyles, who he asserted have unjustly suffered in Algerian prisons for years.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Bank Al-Maghrib Strengthens Cash Supply for Eid Al-Adha

As Eid Al-Adha approaches, Bank Al-Maghrib is implementing preventive measures to ensure adequate supply of cash at automated teller machines (ATMs) across the Kingdom. This initiative aims to meet the high demand for currency expected during this extended festive period.

In a recent statement, Bank Al-Maghrib emphasized its close collaboration with banks to ensure continuous availability of funds at all ATMs throughout the prefectures and provinces of the country. Measures include sufficient provisioning of banknotes to meet anticipated needs, as well as technical coordination to ensure the reliability and operational availability of ATMs.

An internal unit has been specifically established within Bank Al-Maghrib to maintain constant communication with banking institutions, ensuring real-time monitoring of ATM supplies and proactive resolution of any potential issues.

With this proactive initiative, Bank Al-Maghrib is committed to facilitating financial transactions during this important period, thereby ensuring a smooth and secure banking experience for all citizens and residents of the Kingdom during the Eid Al-Adha festivities.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

ONDA Revolutionizes Airport Management with Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

The National Airports Office (ONDA) announces an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming the operational management of two of its major airports, Casablanca Mohammed V and Rabat-Salé, through the integration of cutting-edge technologies.

As part of its three-year development plan "Envol 2025," ONDA is firmly committed to digital transformation by implementing an intelligent solution. This solution will optimize airport operations using data from various sources such as the Airport Operational Database (AODB), Resource Management System (RMS), as well as data on energy consumption and passenger flow.

The primary goal of this initiative is to convert these vast datasets into strategic analyses and actionable insights. This approach will not only enhance the operational performance of the airports but also enrich the overall experience for passengers and operational teams.

According to ONDA officials, this microservices-based platform will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to manage real-time data ingestion and machine learning models. It will provide interactive dashboards and relevant insights, thereby facilitating informed and responsive decision-making.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc
 

Tanger Med: Setting Course for Record Expansion in Global Maritime Trade

Tanger Med, the massive port located at the Strait of Gibraltar, firmly positions itself as a key player in global maritime trade, with ambitions to surpass its record container handling capacities this year. Rachid Houari, deputy general manager of the port, shares details of this exponential growth and promising outlook in an interview with Reuters.

In 2023, Tanger Med solidified its position as the leading port in the Mediterranean by handling 8.61 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a 13.4% increase compared to the previous year. This trend continued into the first quarter of 2024 with a 14.9% increase in tonnage, reaching 33.3 million tonnes. Revenues also followed this upward trajectory, increasing by 18.3% to reach 1 billion dirhams.

Rachid Houari emphasized this impressive performance: "We have seen significant growth in terms of containers. Each terminal is slightly exceeding its theoretical capacity, which leads us to anticipate exceeding nine million containers this year."

Tanger Med's strategic position at the entrance of the Mediterranean gives it a major competitive advantage. The port is connected to 180 ports worldwide, bolstered by strong partnerships with maritime transport leaders such as Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, and CMA CGM. Despite recent disruptions in the Red Sea, only 25% of the port's traffic is affected by this area, with the majority of ships continuing through the Suez Canal.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco
 

Morocco and China Strengthen Cultural Cooperation for 2024-2028

The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication of Morocco and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently concluded a crucial agreement to intensify their cultural cooperation. Signed by Moroccan Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and Chinese Vice Minister Rao Quan, the executive program covers the period 2024-2028 and aims to enhance cultural exchanges between the two nations.

This ambitious program's primary goal is to strengthen existing cultural ties between Morocco and China. It will promote bilateral visits, encourage reciprocal promotion of cultures through media and joint artistic initiatives. Additionally, enhanced cooperation within UNESCO is planned, along with expertise exchanges and ongoing training in the cultural field.

By consolidating common cultural aspects, this partnership also aims to support and enrich bilateral political and economic relations. It highlights the importance of culture as an essential bridge between peoples, contributing to deepening mutual understanding and strengthening global cooperation.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Botola Pro DI "Inwi": Raja Casablanca One Step Away from 13th Title, AS FAR Holds Hope

The 2023-2024 season of Botola Pro DI "Inwi" has reached its climax with a dramatic final day, pitting Raja Casablanca against AS FAR in a thrilling battle for the Moroccan championship title. While the champion will only be determined after this crucial 30th matchday scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the two leading clubs of the competition keep supporters on the edge of their seats until the last moment.

Leading the standings with 69 points, Raja will visit Mouloudia Oujda with the opportunity to secure their 13th championship title. The season has been characterized by the impressive consistency of the Greens and Whites, with 20 wins and 9 draws, remaining undefeated so far. The team led by Adam Nafati has capitalized on every opportunity to gain the upper hand, notably in the Casablanca derby against Wydad where a crucial goal in stoppage time solidified their position at the top.

On the other hand, AS FAR, currently second with 68 points, not only needs to win their match against FUS Rabat but also hopes for a slip-up from Raja to snatch the title from their rival. Despite a dominant season marked by a formidable attack scoring 63 goals, the Military team relinquished their lead on the last matchday, opening the door for Raja to take the lead.

Source: Al Bayane