Daily Press Review - Tuesday, March 12, 2024

AMDIE Investigates Aerospace Supply Chain in Morocco

The Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE) has initiated a study on the aerospace supply chain in Morocco. This initiative aims to thoroughly analyze this rapidly expanding segment and identify growth drivers for the years ahead.

Over the past two decades, Morocco has successfully developed a thriving and attractive aerospace ecosystem. The country is now home to over 140 equipment manufacturers, employing more than 20,000 people in this sector. This growth is attributed to several factors, including:

- Establishment of dedicated industrial platforms such as the Technopole of Tangier and Midparc in Casablanca.
- Creation of a favorable regulatory framework for investors.
- Development of a qualified workforce.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Morocco’s Offer for Green Hydrogen: Another Milestone Achieved

Morocco's offer for the development of the green hydrogen sector was officially unveiled on Monday, March 13, 2024. This initiative, aligned with Royal High Directives, aims to position Morocco as a global leader in this promising field.

The implementation circular of Morocco's offer, issued by the Head of Government, outlines the key aspects of this new strategy. It revolves around several crucial axes, including:

- Creation of an attractive and incentivizing regulatory framework for investors.
- Development of green hydrogen production and transportation infrastructures.
- Establishment of a research and innovation program.
- Training of a qualified workforce.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Microfinance Sector Shows Resilient Performance in 2023

Despite a challenging economic context, the microfinance sector in Morocco continued to grow in 2023, with a credit outstanding of 8.64 billion dirhams as of December. This reassuring performance confirms the significant role of microcredit in the social and financial inclusion of disadvantaged populations.

The microcredit outstanding increased by 1.09% between the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2023, reaching 8.64 billion dirhams. This growth is attributed to the rise in the number of clients and the average loan amount.

However, the disbursed loan amounts witnessed a 17.76% decrease between the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2023. This decline can be attributed to the current economic situation and the tightening of credit conditions.

Source: Aujourd'hui Le Maroc

Criminalization of Illicit Enrichment: PJD and Civil Society Take a Stand

The criminalization of illicit enrichment remains a subject of debate in Morocco. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) persists in pushing this burning issue into the government's legislative agenda, bolstered by the recommendations of the National Authority for Probity, Prevention, and the Fight against Corruption (INPPLC). Civil society also mobilizes on this front.

The PJD has submitted a draft law on the repression of illicit enrichment to the House of Representatives. This initiative is welcomed by the INPPLC, which also advocates for the criminalization of this offense. However, the opposition and some observers question the PJD's motivations and the timing of such a law.

The PJD initially submitted a draft law in early February, only to withdraw it two weeks later to replace it with an enriched version. This new draft has been forwarded to the Justice Commission for examination.

The INPPLC conducted a study on illicit enrichment and called for its criminalization, emphasizing the need to establish effective evidence mechanisms to combat this type of corruption.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

African Lion 2024: Agadir Hosts Final Planning Meeting

The Southern Zone Headquarters hosts the final planning meeting for the African Lion 2024 exercise from March 11 to 15, 2024. This 20th edition, scheduled for May 20 to 31, 2024, aims to strengthen military cooperation between Morocco and the United States and promote peace, security, and stability in the region.

Planners from around ten countries, including representatives of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the United States Armed Forces, participate in this meeting. They will finalize the modalities for the various activities planned in the exercise program.

The participation of Morocco and the United States in this exercise signals their strong commitment to peace and security in the region. African Lion 2024 will contribute to enhancing the capabilities of participating armed forces to address common security challenges.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Moroccan Strawberries: Ministry of Agriculture Denies Hepatitis A Rumors

The Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Forestry categorically denied rumors circulating about the presence of hepatitis A virus in Moroccan strawberries.

Following a health alert regarding a batch of strawberries exported from Morocco, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) launched an investigation and conducted thorough inspections.

Laboratory analyses showed negative results for hepatitis A. Additionally, no contamination of irrigation water was detected. ONSSA also confirmed that field workers undergo strict control to ensure the sanitary safety of strawberries.

Source: Liberation

Podcasts in Morocco: A Growing Trend During Ramadan

Experiencing a surge in popularity in Morocco, podcasts gain traction during Ramadan, with promising listening figures. These series of online audio episodes are gradually asserting themselves in the media landscape as print and radio-television lose ground among the Moroccan audience.

In recent years, over twenty podcasts have emerged, covering a wide range of topics from football to geopolitics to personal development. They are available in Arabic, French, and English.

The success of podcasts lies in their ability to offer in-depth and engaging content, often absent from traditional media. They allow listeners to delve into topics they are passionate about and explore different perspectives.

Source: L'Opinion

Construction Sector: 70,000 Jobs Annually by 2030

The construction sector in Morocco is booming. Major structural projects launched for the 2030 World Cup, along with the emergency reconstruction program for earthquake-affected areas of Al Haouz, will generate numerous employment opportunities.

The public works sector alone is expected to create around 70,000 jobs annually by 2030. In 2023, this number was 19,000.

Public investments in construction amount to 64 billion dirhams (MMDH) for the year 2024, a considerable increase compared to previous years.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Ramadan in Morocco: Soaring Prices and Lack of Control

The sacred month of Ramadan, synonymous with spirituality, sharing, and conviviality in Morocco, is overshadowed by an incomprehensible and unjustified surge in prices. This situation, which has persisted for years, has worsened since the current government took office, leaving citizens perplexed and powerless.

Throughout the year, prices of consumer goods continue to rise. However, it is during Ramadan that the explosion of prices becomes blatant. No product is spared, and the increases across all sectors border on indecency.

Source: Al Bayane

UNESCO Calls for Nominations to Identify Inspirational Female Scientists in the Maghreb

The UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb launches a call for nominations to compile a "Who's Who" of female scientists in the region. This initiative aims to highlight the exceptional contributions of female scientists and promote diversity in the field of science.

Despite a high number of female graduates in science, they represent only one-third of researchers worldwide, and only 4% of scientific Nobel Prizes have been awarded

 to them. UNESCO aims to help correct this imbalance by creating a public database of female scientists from the Maghreb.

Source: Al Bayane

Cybersecurity Day: Report Highlights Cybersecurity Challenges in Morocco

Cybersecurity Day, organized by Cyberforces and Wavestone, brought together national and international experts to discuss cybersecurity challenges facing Moroccan companies. A report from this event highlights key challenges and potential solutions to strengthen digital security in Morocco.

The report emphasizes that Moroccan companies face critical cybersecurity challenges, including:

- Constantly evolving cybersecurity risks.
- Alarming increase in attacks on the African continent.
- Lack of awareness of cybersecurity risks.
- Lack of human and financial resources to invest in cybersecurity.

Source: Al Bayane