Daily Press Review - Monday, March 11, 2024

The Moroccan Sahara: An Undeniable Identity in the Kingdom's Archives

The director of the Royal Archives, Bahija Simou, stated that the presence of the Sahara in Morocco's archives is clear and leaves no doubt about its belonging to the Kingdom, both in its western and eastern parts. This was declared during a conference organized by the Ribat Al Fath Association for Sustainable Development on "Moroccan sovereignty over the Saharan provinces through the Royal Archives."

Simou emphasized that the Sahara is an integral part of Moroccan territory and has its own specificity. It has interacted with the rest of the country in cultural, economic, and political aspects for centuries, across different dynasties that have ruled in Morocco.

The archives and documents preserved by the Royal Archives are irrefutable evidence of Morocco's sovereignty over the Saharan provinces. These documents demonstrate the attachment of the tribes in these provinces to the Moroccan Sultans and Kings, as well as the efforts made by the latter to defend the Kingdom's territorial integrity and develop these regions.

Le Matin du Sahara

The DGI Launches a New Strategic Plan for 2024-2028

The General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) has unveiled its new strategic plan for the period 2024-2028. This ambitious roadmap aims to strengthen tax revenue mobilization, improve taxpayer experience, and promote tax equity.

The strategic plan revolves around six major priorities:

1. Enhancing taxpayer trust and experience: The DGI pledges to simplify administrative procedures, strengthen communication, and provide quality services to taxpayers.

2. Promoting voluntary compliance and tax equity: Emphasis will be placed on combating tax fraud and evasion, as well as establishing a fairer and more transparent tax system.

3. Strengthening human capital: The DGI will invest in training and developing its skills to have competent and committed personnel.

4. Modernizing tools and technologies: Technological innovation will be at the heart of the DGI's strategy to improve the efficiency of its services and facilitate interactions with taxpayers.

5. Consolidating governance and performance: The DGI is committed to strengthening its internal governance and improving its overall performance.

6. Contributing to economic and social development: The DGI intends to play an active role in the country's economic and social development by mobilizing the fiscal resources necessary to finance public policies.

Le Matin du Sahara

Gender Pay Inequality in Morocco: Women Earn 20% Less Than Men

On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day, the High Commission for Planning (HCP) released alarming data on gender pay inequality in Morocco.

In 2019, the median salary for men was 3,400 DH, compared to 2,800 DH for women, representing a 20% gap. This gap is even wider in urban areas, where men earn an average of 4,900 DH compared to 3,900 DH for women.

The wage gap is also significant among employees with higher education. It reaches 37% in favor of men and mainly stems from wage disparities in the private sector, which amount to 82%.

Employment in the private sector contributes 79% to the wage gap between men and women with higher education.

Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Attijariwafa bank Launches "Attijari CapAccess," an Innovative Scheme for Financing Investment Projects in Morocco

Attijariwafa bank announced, during a meeting in Rabat, the launch of a new customized scheme for financing investment projects of Moroccan companies. Named "Attijari CapAccess," this scheme is the result of a partnership between Attijariwafa bank, the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment (FM6I), and Tamwilcom.

"Attijari CapAccess" aims to facilitate access to financing for Moroccan companies, especially those lacking sufficient equity. It is a subordinated debt product backed by bank debt, allowing companies to finance their investment projects while preserving their capital.

Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Samir Employees Express Anger: "The Head of Government Bears Major Responsibility"

Samir employees and retirees organized a protest march on Thursday, March 7, 2024, to denounce deteriorating living conditions and demand the resumption of refinery activities.

Despite the rainy weather, protesters gathered in large numbers outside the company's headquarters, equipped with umbrellas and banners. They chanted slogans against the government and held it responsible for the current situation.

Protesters particularly denounced the non-payment of 40% of their monthly salary and contributions owed to the CIMR since 2016. They also criticized the current company syndicate for its inaction.

Al Bayane

Rabat Declaration on Water Stress: Call to Action for Water Preservation

Participants in the 1st Arab Academic Summit on Water, held in Rabat from March 6 to 8, 2024, called for urgent action to combat water stress and ensure water security in the Arab region.

The "Rabat Declaration," adopted at the end of the summit, emphasizes the need to improve access to climate finance to support investments in sustainable water management projects.

Participants also called for conducting prior impact assessments for approval of agricultural projects to assess their water consumption and impact on water resources.

Al Bayane

Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles: Heading Towards a 33rd Edition of Solidarity and Eco-Responsibility

From April 13 to 27 this year, the Moroccan desert will resonate with the rhythm of the 33rd edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles. A 100% women's sports event promising a unique adventure through the sandy and rocky tracks of southern Morocco.

Organized by the Maïenga agency, the rally will bring together 400 women divided into 200 teams, representing 17 different nationalities. A melting pot of cultures and horizons coming together around strong and common values: solidarity, courage, kindness, sisterhood, and tolerance.

More than just a race, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles aims to be a true personal and collective challenge. An opportunity for these bold women to break stereotypes and assert themselves in a traditionally male domain.

L'Economiste

Lydec Unveils Action Plan Against Drought in Casablanca

The filling level of the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah dam, which largely supplies Casablanca, is only 21.97% as of March 6, 2024, compared to 23.27% at the same period last year. A significant decrease reflecting the severity of the situation.

The Oum Er-Rbia basin is also affected by drought, with a current reserve volume of 313.86 million m3 compared to 493.71 million m3 in 2023. This decrease represents a loss of 179.85 million m3.

Lydec has also intensified its efforts to combat water leaks, a problem affecting all distribution networks. 32 teams are mobilized for the search and repair of leaks on a distribution network of 16,800 km.

L'Economiste