Daily Press Review - Thursday, May 2, 2024

Successful Second Leg of the GO Siyaha Caravan in Casablanca-Settat
Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

The second leg of the GO Siyaha caravan, held on April 29 in Casablanca-Settat, was a resounding success, drawing numerous economic and tourism stakeholders from the region. This initiative, jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Handicraft, and Social and Solidarity Economy, the Moroccan Agency for SMEs, and the Regional Tourism Council of Casablanca-Settat, aims to support and promote the tourism sector's development across various regions in Morocco.

"We are thrilled with the enthusiasm generated by the GO Siyaha caravan in Casablanca," stated Hamid Bentahar, President of the National Tourism Confederation. "This program, part of the 2023-2026 tourism roadmap, aims to support 1,700 tourism enterprises by 2026, with a total budget of 720 million dirhams."

Craftsmanship: 395,000 Artisans Registered in the National Registry
Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

The number of artisans registered in the National Registry of Craftsmanship (RNA) has reached 395,000, announced Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicraft, and Social and Solidarity Economy, during a session at the Chamber of Advisors.

This number, which has grown compared to previous years, reflects the dynamic nature of Morocco's craft sector and the government's commitment to supporting artisans and promoting their skills. 

The RNA's implementation, which is part of the sector's structuring and organization strategy, has facilitated the rollout of social coverage for artisans, a significant step toward improving their living conditions and providing adequate social protection.

Craftsmanship plays a crucial role in Morocco's economy, contributing 7% to the GDP and employing 22% of the active workforce. It is also a key pillar in preserving national heritage, as it conveys Moroccan traditions and culture through its unique products.

Kénitra: SMIT Explores the City's Tourism Potential for the 2030 World Cup
Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

The Moroccan Society for Tourism Engineering (SMIT) is conducting a market study to explore the tourism potential of Kénitra in anticipation of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host. The goal is to develop the city's tourism offerings to prepare for this global sporting event.

Kénitra, located in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, is one of the cities slated to host World Cup matches. SMIT expects a significant influx of visitors during the event, necessitating an expansion of the city's tourism infrastructure.

Currently, Kénitra's tourism offerings are limited in terms of accommodation and tourist activities. SMIT aims to diversify the offerings to cater to different market segments and establish Kénitra as a complementary destination to Rabat and Salé.

The tourism roadmap for the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region includes the creation of 20,000 hotel beds by 2030. SMIT plans to distribute these new accommodations evenly among the major cities in the region, including Kénitra.

Nasser Bourita Reaffirms Morocco's Commitment to Successful Electoral Processes in Africa
Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, reiterated Morocco's commitment to supporting successful electoral processes across Africa. Speaking at an international conference, Bourita emphasized the importance of transparent and fair elections for the continent's political stability and development.

The minister highlighted Morocco's experience in organizing democratic elections and pledged to continue providing assistance to African nations in building robust electoral systems. The objective is to foster democratic governance and encourage sustainable political practices throughout the continent.

Morocco Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Democratic Electoral Processes in Africa
Source: Liberation

Morocco has reiterated its commitment to supporting democratic electoral processes in Africa by training qualified election observers and sharing its expertise in this domain.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, emphasized this commitment during the opening of the third edition of the Specialized Training Cycle for African Election Observers, held in Rabat from April 29 to May 3, 2024.

"The Kingdom is ready to equip Africa with qualified election observers capable of promoting the democratic process across the African continent," Bourita stated.

This training program, organized by Morocco in partnership with the African Union Commission, aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to observe African electoral processes impartially and credibly.

Morocco is the first African country to organize continent-wide training for election observers. Since 2022, the Kingdom has trained 155 African observers, thus contributing to Africa's capacity to manage its electoral processes.

The year 2024 is particularly significant for Africa, with 19 elections scheduled, including 11 presidential elections. This makes training election observers even more crucial this year.

Morocco and Spain: A New Partnership to Boost Scientific Research
Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Morocco and Spain have taken a significant step in strengthening their scientific cooperation by signing an agreement on Tuesday in Rabat. The agreement, between Spain's Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and Morocco's National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), aims to promote joint scientific research in areas of common interest, such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, environment, information technology, renewable energy, health, and space sciences.

A key element of this agreement is the launch of joint research project calls, allowing Moroccan and Spanish researchers to collaborate on current and impactful topics.

The agreement reflects both countries' commitment to deepening their strategic partnership in the field of research and innovation. By pooling expertise and resources, it fosters exchanges between researchers and stimulates innovation in key development areas.

Association of Food Industry (AFI) Holds Its 118th Annual Convention in Marrakech
Source: Les Inspirations Eco

The Association of Food Industry (AFI), an American organization bringing together food industry professionals, is holding its 118th annual convention in Marrakech from May 3 to May 4, 2024. This is the first time the event is being held in Morocco, signifying the Kingdom's dynamic agri-food sector and its growing attractiveness to foreign investors.

Organized in partnership with Morocco Foodex, the convention provides American professionals with the opportunity to explore business prospects in Morocco's key sectors, such as agriculture, maritime fishing, citrus fruits, and olive oil.

Ahead of the convention, masterclasses were held in Casablanca on April 29 and 30, led by Bob Bauer, President of the AFI. These sessions covered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Foreign Supplier Verification Program, a crucial regulation for companies looking to export food products to the U.S.

The annual convention in Marrakech will focus on the challenges and future prospects of the agri-food industry. Conferences and workshops will address strategic themes such as innovation, sustainability, food safety, and access to international markets.

Engie Withdraws from Safi Coal Plant to Focus on Renewables in Morocco
Source: L'Economiste

The French energy group Engie has announced its intention to withdraw from the Safi coal plant, Morocco's largest, by January 2027. This decision aligns with the group's broader strategy to focus on renewable energy and next-generation energy infrastructure.

"We are committed to divesting from SAFIEC," said Loïc Jaegert-Huber, Director for North Africa, Middle East, and South Asia at Engie. The company currently holds a 33% stake in the coal plant.

Engie's withdrawal is driven by its goal to reduce its carbon footprint and support Morocco's energy transition. The group has already received interest from potential buyers for its stake in SAFIEC.

Despite this withdrawal, Engie remains a key player in Morocco's energy sector. The group is involved in the construction of the Tarfaya wind farm (300 MW), one of Africa's largest, and a major desalination plant in Dakhla.