Press Review of Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Alarming Rate of Female Inactivity in the Labor Market in Morocco

The High Commission for Planning (HCP) has revealed, in an intersectional study on the participation of women in the Moroccan labor market, that the probability of female inactivity reaches an alarming rate of 73%. This figure is significantly higher than that of men, which stands at 7.5%.

The study highlights significant disparities based on marital status and age. Indeed, the probability of inactivity among married women is even higher, reaching 81.9%, compared to only 3.1% among married men. Similarly, young women aged 25 to 34 are particularly affected, with a probability of inactivity of 79.4%, compared to 3.3% for young men of the same age.

These alarming results stem from a study conducted as part of the Technical Assistance Partnership - Expert Deployment Mechanism (PAT-MDE).

Such a level of female inactivity has significant economic and social consequences for Morocco. It is crucial to implement targeted policies and programs to encourage women's participation in the labor market and reduce these disparities.

Source: Al Bayane

Ramadan 2024: Significant Increase in Advertising Investments in Morocco

The month of Ramadan signifies a peak audience for media, due to changes in lifestyles and consumption habits, particularly concerning food. This period also attracts advertising investments for goods, services, and media, with variations from year to year depending on the economic context.

Analysis of key indicators of advertising investments for the first ten days of Ramadan 2024 provides an overview of annual trends for all media: television, radio, outdoor, print, and digital. As every year, IMPERIUM provides media, agencies, and advertisers with key figures observed during this period, from March 12 to March 22, 2024.

A significant overall increase in advertising investments is observed during this first decade of Ramadan, reaching nearly 450 million DH, representing an increase of +27.7% compared to the previous year (352 MDH).

Source: Al Bayane

Strengthened Controls on Water Resource Exploitation in Guelmim-Oued Noun

The Draa-Oued Noun Hydraulic Basin Agency has announced the intensification of water police patrols in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region. This initiative aims to strengthen control over the exploitation of water resources and the use of the public domain of water.

Water police patrols will cover the four provinces of the Guelmim-Oued Noun region: Guelmim, Sidi Ifni, Assa Zag, and Tan-Tan. The agency's intervention will also extend to the three provinces of the Draa-Tafilalet region (Ouarzazate, Zagora, Tinghir) and to the Tata province in the Souss-Massa region.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

ANRAC Strengthens Position to Regulate the Legal Cannabis Market in Morocco

The National Agency for Regulating Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC) is actively working to consolidate its crucial role in the development of the legal cannabis market in Morocco. Established in 2021, the agency has focused on implementing the national strategy in this field, covering the cultivation, production, processing, marketing, and export of cannabis and its products for medical purposes.

The global legal cannabis market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by the various applications of the plant in medical and industrial fields. Morocco, with its ancestral expertise in cannabis cultivation, has positioned itself to leverage this potential by regulating the activity rigorously and transparently.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Morocco Stands Out as a Major African Venture Capital Market in 2023

Despite the overall decline in venture capital investments on the African continent in 2023, Morocco has managed to stand out by joining the Top 5 most attractive destinations.

The country captured 4% of transactions by volume, with 24 deals totaling $17 million, confirming its significant role in the African venture capital ecosystem.

This performance is particularly remarkable considering the deteriorating market conditions that have prompted investors to exercise caution. Venture capital investments in Africa decreased by about one-third in 2023, both in volume and value, totaling $4.5 billion across 603 transactions, compared to $6.7 billion in 2022.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Opticians Express Anger: "Anarchy" in the Health Sector Threatens Consumer Health

The National Professional Union of Opticians of Morocco is sounding the alarm. Faced with the proliferation of illegal and fraudulent practices in the optics sector, it has launched an awareness campaign to inform the public and demand government intervention.

Fake diplomas, unauthorized medical caravans, misleading advertisements... the list of grievances from opticians is long. They denounce "anarchy" that jeopardizes consumer health and the integrity of the profession.

The union points fingers at the trafficking of fake diplomas issued by private vocational training schools. Although some networks have been dismantled, the problem persists. "The supervisory ministry takes no action and never responds to our letters of demands," deplores Mina Ahkim, president of the union.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Three Slam Concerts to Celebrate Francophonie in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech

As part of Francophonie Month, the Wallonia-Brussels General Delegation, the Swiss Embassy, the Quebec Office, and the French Institute of Morocco are organizing "The Grand Francophone Slam Night."

Six internationally renowned slam artists will take the stage:

- Noussayba Lahlou (Morocco)
- Nora Balile (Wallonia-Brussels)
- Célia (Switzerland)
- Dgiz (France)
- Le Grand Slack (Quebec)
- William Slam-Korban (Senegal)

Noussayba Lahlou, a prominent figure in Moroccan slam, will represent the country during these evenings.

As an author-composer and performer, she draws inspiration from her origins and travels, blending the power of slam with Arab melodies and contemporary rhythms.

Her committed texts address universal themes such as love, freedom, and self-discovery.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Social Dialogue: Government and Unions Meet Amid Tensions

The government and trade unions are meeting on Tuesday, March 26, for a new round of social dialogue.

This meeting takes place against a backdrop of social tensions in several sectors, notably due to rising prices and declining purchasing power.

Several important issues will be addressed during this session, including the draft organic law governing the right to strike, the revision of the Labor Code, and reform of the pension system.

The delay in implementing the pension system reform is particularly worrying.

Bank Al-Maghrib has warned of the consequences of this delay, which could increase the cost of the reform and threaten the balance of public finances.

Unions fear that the government may resort to raising the retirement age to resolve the system's crisis.

Source: Liberation

Government Seeking Solutions for Moroccans' Purchasing Power

A study by Sogecapital Bourse highlights the government's desire to establish a welfare state and support Moroccans' purchasing power.

The decline in living standards between 2019 and 2022 has pushed 3.2 million people into poverty.

Inflation has been the main cause of this situation, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite government aid measures, the standard of living continued to decline in 2022.

The 2024 Finance Law includes tax reforms aimed at supporting the purchasing power of the most vulnerable.

These measures include VAT exemption on certain food and medical products, and an increase in customs duties on luxury goods.

The government is also seeking to finance social projects and promote green energy production.

Source: L'Opinion

Tourism: Fitch Solutions Forecasts Continued Growth in Morocco

Fitch Solutions agency forecasts continued growth in Morocco's tourism sector, with the number of visitors reaching 11 million by 2026.

This figure is slightly below the government's target of 17.5 million visitors.

Fitch Solutions' report, titled "Morocco Tourism Report," emphasizes that the sector is expected to continue its recovery in 2024, following a record year in 2023 with 14.5 million entries.

The growth will be driven by European markets, particularly France.

The increase in visitors is expected to boost travel and transportation spending in Morocco, resulting in steady growth in international tourism revenues.

Source: L'Opinion

Akdital Aims for Monthly Openings in 2024 to Double Bed Capacity

Akdital group, a major player in the healthcare sector in Morocco, achieved a turnover of 1.907 billion MAD in 2023, an 84% increase compared to the previous year.

Building on this success, Akdital plans to open one establishment per month in 2024, reaching 30 facilities across the Kingdom and doubling its bed capacity.

In 2023, the group inaugurated five new establishments:

- Mohammedia Multidisciplinary Clinic
- Bouskoura Well-being Clinic
- Fes International Hospital
- Fes International Oncology Center
- Beni-Mellal Private Hospital

With these openings, Akdital increased its bed capacity to 2,300 beds.

In 2024, the group plans to open more than 15 new establishments, targeting cities with a critical need for access to quality healthcare.

The objective is to reach 3,600 beds and be present in thirty cities by the end of the year.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco