Daily Press Review - Saturday, June 22, 2024

2024 Census: Morocco Deploys an Army of 55,000 Surveyors for a Groundbreaking Operation

Morocco is gearing up for a major statistical event: the seventh General Census of Population and Housing (RGPH), scheduled to take place from September 1 to 30, 2024. This operation, crucial for the Kingdom, aims to provide an accurate picture of the population and living conditions. This year, it is distinguished by the introduction of numerous technological and methodological innovations.

At the heart of this unprecedented operation, the High Commission for Planning (HCP) is orchestrating a rigorous and innovative selection process to assemble an army of 55,000 field surveyors. More than just recruitment, it is a genuine quest for talent and commitment, aimed at identifying the most capable individuals to meet the challenges of this next-generation census.

Applicants for this national mission registered online through a dedicated platform, providing detailed information about their academic and professional backgrounds. This initial stage enabled an initial screening to ensure candidates met the required age and education criteria.

Successful candidates then advanced to the next stage: remote training via a specially designed digital platform. This training, delivered in several modules, acquainted future surveyors with the methodology for collecting family data, data quality requirements, and techniques for organizing fieldwork.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Bank of Africa Obtains PCI DSS Certification: A Testament to Its Commitment to Data Security

Bank of Africa (BOA) proudly announces its attainment of the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) certification, an international recognition of its commitment to banking data security. This certification, awarded by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), confirms BOA's adherence to the strictest standards for protecting cardholder data.

By achieving PCI DSS certification, Bank of Africa reaffirms its commitment to placing customer data security at the forefront of its priorities. This certification results from a rigorous and ongoing process of evaluating and enhancing the bank’s security measures.

"Achieving PCI DSS certification is an important milestone for Bank of Africa," says Mr. [Name], [Title] at Bank of Africa. "This international recognition confirms our commitment to protecting our customers' sensitive data and ensuring the security of their card transactions. Security is a fundamental value for BOA, and we strive to provide our customers with a reliable and secure banking environment."

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Covid-19: Emergence of the FLiRT Variant in Morocco, Limited and Non-Severe Cases for Now

Morocco has detected a few cases of the new Covid-19 variant named "FLiRT," a sub-lineage of Omicron. While this new mutation is causing concern in Europe and the United States, Moroccan experts remain reassuring: the cases identified so far are rare and not particularly severe.

According to Professor Mustapha Fahim, Scientific Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, the FLiRT cases detected in Morocco are "very limited" and do not result in serious complications. This favorable situation is explained by the high immunity of the Moroccan population, acquired through both vaccination and previous infections with the Omicron variant, from which FLiRT is derived.

Despite the reassuring nature of the current situation, health authorities are urging caution and continued preventive measures. Professor Fahim recommends that individuals with Covid-19 symptoms get tested and, if infection is confirmed, follow treatment protocols and isolation measures. Wearing masks is also advised, especially in enclosed spaces and public areas.

Morocco maintains active epidemiological surveillance and is strengthening its genomic sequencing system to monitor the virus's evolution and detect potential new mutations. Analyses are conducted on samples taken from positive cases to early identify any new strains or sub-variants.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Royal Air Maroc Implements Exceptional Measures for Summer 2024 Season

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is preparing for a summer 2024 marked by high demand. To meet this influx of travelers, the national airline is implementing a special plan with an offer of over 6.5 million seats to more than 90 destinations worldwide.

Compared to summer 2023, RAM is offering 300,000 additional seats, an increase of more than 5%. Nearly half of this offer, over 3.2 million seats, will be for Europe, with 671 weekly flights connecting 37 European destinations to 11 Moroccan airports. North America and the Middle East will benefit from 533,586 and 282,361 seats, respectively.

True to its positioning as a pan-African carrier, RAM is also increasing its offer to Africa with more than 1.3 million seats (a 19% increase) serving 28 African destinations with 271 flights per week.

Source: Libération

Souss Region Comes Alive with Timitar and Taskiouine Festivals: Music, Traditions, and Extraordinary Encounters

July promises to be rich in festivities in the Souss region, with two major events celebrating Amazigh music and traditions: the Timitar Festival in Agadir and the Taskiouine Festival in Taroudant.

From July 4 to 7, Agadir will pulse with the 19th edition of the Timitar Festival, Signs and Cultures. Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this major cultural event will take place at three iconic sites: Place Al Amal, Place Bijaoune, and the Open-Air Theater.

Since its inception in 2004, Timitar has established itself as a key reference for music and culture lovers. Its stage has welcomed internationally renowned artists such as Marcel Khalifa, Yuri Buenaventura, Ziggy Marley, Nass al Ghiwan, Idir, the Gipsy Kings, Kadem Essahir, Majda Roumy, Izenziren, Samira Said, and Najat Attabou.

This year again, the festival promises an exceptional lineup, blending the beauty of Amazigh traditions with the diversity of world music. An extraordinary journey through cultures and sounds, perfectly embodying the spirit of openness and sharing that animates Timitar.

Source: Libération