Daily Press Review - June 25, 2024

World Bank Grants $600 Million to Boost Public Sector Performance in Morocco

The World Bank has approved a $600 million financing package aimed at enhancing the performance, inclusivity, and quality of public services in Morocco. According to a statement released in Washington on Monday, the funding includes a $350 million program to support the reform of public enterprises and establishments (EEP). This initiative aims to improve governance, restructuring, competitive neutrality, and performance monitoring of EEPs.

Additionally, $250 million will be allocated to the Moroccan Public Sector Performance Program (ENNAJAA). This program will continue supporting the Moroccan government's efforts to enhance transparency and performance in public administration, focusing on modernization through digitization and reforms in public financial management.

Jesko Hentschel, World Bank Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta, emphasized that these projects aim to improve public sector performance and the quality of services provided to Moroccan citizens, in line with the country's new development model. The World Bank will support the Moroccan government from the initial stages of EEP reform, emphasizing results and strengthening the technical capacity of executing agencies, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Holdings (ANGSPE).

Source: Le Matin du Sahara
 

Moroccan Government Takes Measures to Regulate Fruit and Vegetable Marketing

The Moroccan government has approved a set of measures to regulate the direct marketing of fruits and vegetables produced under agricultural aggregation. This decision, formalized by Decree No. 2.23.920 during the latest Government Council meeting, aims to control price increases and reduce the impact of intermediaries in wholesale markets.

The new decree establishes procedures for issuing, renewing, and withdrawing authorizations required for direct marketing of these products without going through wholesale markets. To manage this system, two structures will be established: a technical committee and a regional committee.

The technical committee, composed of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce, and the Agricultural Development Agency, will review authorization requests. The committee will convene in person or remotely within eight working days upon receipt of requests. If the quorum is not met during the first meeting, a second meeting will be called within five working days, during which the committee can deliberate regardless of the number of members present. Decisions will be made by majority vote, with the president having a casting vote in case of a tie.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco
 

Dislog Golf Open: Resounding Success for Inaugural Edition in Bouznika

The first edition of the Dislog Golf Open brought together nearly 80 carefully selected amateur players on Saturday, June 22, at the beautiful Bahia Golf Beach in Bouznika. Emphasizing elegance and conviviality, this competition lived up to its promises.

Thirty-seven teams competed in this tournament organized in a scramble format, with rewards for the top three net pairs and the best gross team. Mehdi Bouamrani, CEO of Dislog Group, expressed satisfaction: "This first edition is already a success with 76 participants. We intend to repeat this event annually to showcase the most beautiful golf courses in Morocco to our friends and institutional and financial partners. For the next edition, we are considering Ifrane."

This inaugural tournament was a moment of joy where precise swings and strategic plays were celebrated, with each birdie seen as a personal victory. For Dislog Group, golf extends beyond sport, becoming an opportunity to build connections, exceed limits, and immerse oneself in the beauty of Morocco's golf landscapes.

The Dislog Golf Tour, recently launched, aligns with the group's new strategy, viewing sports in general and golf in particular as a key communication tool.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Morocco Maintains 'B' Rating in Coface Barometer: Stability Amid High Risks in Africa

The recent Coface Barometer rates Morocco as 'B' for country risks and 'A4' for business climate, placing the Kingdom among the seven African countries with "quite high" risk levels. This assessment is significant in a continent marked by high, very high, or extreme risks.

Published for the second quarter of 2024, the Coface Barometer analyzes 163 countries and 26 sectors. Despite mixed global economic outlooks, Morocco retains its position due to positive evaluations of its macroeconomic, financial, and political data. Compared to its African peers, Morocco stands alongside Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Namibia, Tanzania, and Rwanda in terms of risk.

Coface's Africa map shows a majority of countries categorized with high (Category C), very high (Category D), or extreme (Category E) risks. Only Botswana receives an 'A4' rating, indicating an acceptable risk level, while no African country achieves 'A1', 'A2', or 'A3' ratings, representing very low, low, or satisfactory risks.

Despite challenges, Coface forecasts Africa's overperformance with economic growth expected to exceed 4% in 2025. Major economies like Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Ethiopia, and Morocco are poised to benefit from this positive momentum.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco
 

Race Against Time in Parliament: Adoption of Bills Before Summer Break

The House of Representatives held a plenary session on Monday focused on adopting pending bills, just weeks before the end of the spring session. The government, political parties, and parliamentary groups are already contemplating the 2025 Finance Bill.

Members of both chambers of parliament must intensify efforts to adopt bills before the closure of the April session. According to Article 65 of the Constitution, Parliament convenes for two sessions per year, with the first starting in October and the second in April. With four weeks left in the current session, deputies and counselors have a significant workload ahead.

Currently, parliamentary debate is dominated by judicial reform, with highly anticipated bills. On Monday, June 24, deputies of the House of Representatives prepared to adopt in the second reading Bill No. 43.22 on alternative sentences. This legislation, developed in accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aims to protect human rights, particularly those of detainees.

Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi emphasized that this bill is part of implementing the provisions of the 2011 Constitution and respects international standards regarding the treatment of detainees. It follows a participatory approach and incorporates recommendations from international human rights organizations.

Morocco Chairs Second Annual Session of WFP Executive Board in Rome

The second annual session of the World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Board began on Monday in Rome under the presidency of Morocco's Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Youssef Balla. This session focuses on the institutional and operational priorities of the WFP.

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the WFP, presented organizational highlights and recent developments in organizational reforms. She emphasized the importance of mobilizing financial resources for anticipatory initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate shocks and recurring humanitarian crises.

McCain also briefed the Council on WFP's priority operations, including in Gaza, Sudan, the Sahel, Haiti, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine. She highlighted challenges posed by complex political environments and the need to strengthen partnerships with other UN entities and governments.

The session featured Martin Griffiths, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, and James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group Holdings. These guests provided valuable insights on emergency relief and banking services in Africa.

Source: AUJOURD'HUI LE MAROC
 

Casablanca: Dar America Inaugurates First Job Fair for English-speaking Teachers

Dar America cultural center, affiliated with the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca, organized its first-ever job fair for English-speaking educators on Sunday. The event brought together numerous teachers using English to teach various subjects, including languages and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Participants had the opportunity to meet representatives from 15 institutions, including private schools, universities, and language centers. The fair was designed as a networking, recruitment, and professional development platform. Three roundtable discussions, led by a panel of academics and education experts, covered topics such as "Education in the Age of Smart Technologies," "Building an Inclusive Classroom," and "Transitioning to English in the Moroccan Education System."

This initiative aims to support Moroccan government efforts to enhance employability and promote English teaching in the country's schools. "Morocco is making great strides in the overall modernization of its education system, particularly with the earlier introduction of English in programs. We are honored to support these efforts through events like this fair," said Marissa Scott, U.S. Consul General.

Source: Liberation