Daily Press Review - Monday, July 8, 2024

Al Omrane Commits to Sustainable Construction with Its Own Framework

Faced with the environmental, economic, and social challenges linked to Morocco's rapid urbanization, the Al Omrane Group, a major player in housing and urban development, is taking a new step in its ecological transition by developing its own sustainable construction framework.

This unprecedented tool in Morocco will allow Al Omrane to integrate the best international practices in sustainable construction while adapting them to the country's realities. The goal is to design projects that are more respectful of the environment and natural resources, addressing the challenges of ecological transition and sustainable development.

Morocco's rapid urbanization is straining natural resources and the environment. The growing demand for housing and infrastructure increases pressure on these resources, leading to adverse consequences such as increased energy and water consumption, construction waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

The CRI of Draâ-Tafilalet Launches a Digital Platform to Boost Entrepreneurship

In its effort to stimulate entrepreneurship and effectively support project initiators, the Regional Investment Center (CRI) of Draâ-Tafilalet has launched an innovative digital platform. This platform will centralize all the support, incubation, and acceleration services offered by the CRI, making it easier to access the information and assistance needed for creating and developing businesses in the region.

The digital platform of the CRI of Draâ-Tafilalet aims to be inclusive and accessible to all actors in the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. It targets:

- Idea and entrepreneurial intention holders
- Startups in the creation or development phase
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Cooperatives

Whether You Are a Seasoned Entrepreneur or Just Starting Your Entrepreneurial Journey, the Platform Will Offer Personalized Support Tailored to Your Needs

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Artificial Intelligence: A Challenge and an Opportunity for Vocational Training in Morocco

In the face of rapid technological advancements and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), Moroccan vocational training institutions must adapt their programs and teaching methods to meet labor market needs and ensure the employability of their graduates. This context was the focus of an international seminar organized by the Federation of Private Education (FMEP), the Moroccan Federation of Private Vocational Education (FMEP), and the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, under the theme: "The Impact of AI on Vocational Training and Employability."

According to Younès Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, AI is not just about data collection but requires a proactive strategy to fully benefit from it. He emphasized the importance of positioning as an AI player rather than a mere user by adapting training programs to the ever-evolving demands of this technology.

In this perspective, the minister mentioned the platform developed by his department, which integrates a job reference framework and better directs training programs. He also announced an upcoming meeting of the vocational training body to involve the private sector more in technological development, thereby strengthening the public-private partnership.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Stellantis Prepares to Acquire Sopriam and Société Générale d'Automobiles: Competition Council Launches Investigation

The Competition Council has been notified of a significant economic concentration project in the Moroccan automotive sector. Stellantis Europe S.p.A., a subsidiary of the Stellantis Group (Peugeot, Citroën, Opel...), plans to acquire Sopriam S.A. and its subsidiary Société Générale d'Automobiles SARL, owned by Al Mada.

This operation aims to give Stellantis exclusive control over these two companies, which are major players in the automotive distribution sector in Morocco. Sopriam is the exclusive importer and distributor of Peugeot, Citroën, and DS brands in Morocco, while Société Générale d'Automobiles specializes in the sale of used vehicles.

The Competition Council has opened an investigation into this operation to assess its potential impact on competition in the Moroccan automotive sector. Stakeholders have 10 days, until July 15, 2024, to submit their observations on this project.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Investment in Morocco: Jazouli Reassures on Business Climate and Announces Promising Achievements

Despite an international context marked by unfavorable conditions, Morocco continues to strengthen its attractiveness for investment. This was affirmed by Mohcine Jazouli, the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, during a recent address to the House of Representatives.

The minister presented a positive report for the first half of 2024, highlighting that 44% of the initiatives in the strategic roadmap aimed at improving the business environment for the period 2023-2026 have already been implemented. These initiatives focus on simplifying administrative procedures, enhancing transparency in public procurement, determining payment deadlines, and digitizing business creation.

This dynamic has resulted in a significant increase in foreign direct investments (FDI). By the end of May 2024, FDI reached a record level of 16.1 billion dirhams (MMDH), an increase of nearly 20% compared to the same period the previous year. This performance is attributed to the government's reforms, notably the new Investment Charter.

Furthermore, the National Investment Commission (CNI) has approved an investment project amounting to 173 billion dirhams, which is expected to generate 96,000 jobs. Since the new Investment Charter came into effect in March 2023, the CNI has approved 115 projects totaling 173 billion dirhams, creating 96,000 jobs.

Direct Housing Assistance: 16,300 Beneficiaries for an Amount of 6.3 Billion Dirhams

Launched last January, the direct housing assistance program has been a resounding success. As of July 2, 2024, it has already benefited 16,300 recipients, with a total amount of 6.3 billion dirhams. The state contributed 28% of this amount, or 1.3 billion dirhams.

According to Fatima Zahra Mansouri, Minister of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy, 44% of the beneficiaries are women, and 39% are young people under 35. Additionally, 22% of the beneficiaries are Moroccans residing abroad (MRE), with a total value of housing acquired amounting to 1.6 billion dirhams and a state contribution of 18%.

The direct housing assistance program also positively impacts the construction sector. Since its launch, the number of authorized projects has increased by 16%, and cement sales have risen by 20%. The upward trend continues for real estate loans (+1.5%)

Source: L'opinion