The Press Review of Wednesday, April 03, 2024

Al Bayane

Investiture Ceremony of Senegalese President: Morocco Represented by Prime Minister

The Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, represented His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, at the swearing-in and installation ceremony of the elected President of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which took place this Tuesday in Diamniadio, near Dakar.

This visit was made on the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, following the invitation from the new Senegalese president to the Sovereign to participate in this ceremony. Apart from leaders of the sub-region, His Majesty King Mohammed VI is the only head of state to have received an invitation to attend this event, which testifies to the depth of the unbreakable bonds of fraternity, solidarity, and consideration that unite Morocco and Senegal.

AMMC Publishes List of Approvals and Visas for OPCVM for March 2024

The Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC) has published the list of approvals and visas related to Collective Investment Schemes in Securities (OPCVM) granted for the month of March 2024.

The AMMC has granted 3 approvals to different management companies for the creation of new OPCVM:

OPCVM 1
OPCVM 2
OPCVM 3
The Authority has also issued 5 visas for modifications made to the prospectuses of 5 existing OPCVM.

It is important to note that the net assets under management of OPCVM amounted to 591.08 billion dirhams (MMDH) as of March 22, 2024.

Schengen Visa: PPS Challenges Government on "Hassles" and "Speculation"

Deputy Rachid Hamouni, president of the Progress and Socialism group (PPS) in the House of Representatives, has addressed a written question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad regarding the "complications" and "unethical practices" experienced by Moroccans wishing to obtain a Schengen visa.

Hamouni denounces the "hassles" and "unethical practices" imposed on Moroccans by some accredited agencies for managing Schengen visa applications. He points out the difficulties in obtaining an appointment, long waiting times without response, and lack of transparency in the process.

The deputy cites cases where visa applications remain unanswered despite having all the necessary documents. He also highlights that obtaining an appointment has become "difficult and costly", and that the waiting can last for weeks, depriving citizens of the opportunity to travel for important reasons (studies, work, medical care, etc.).

Aujourd'hui le Maroc 

Government Ventures into Start-up Financing

Morocco aims to reverse the trend in start-up financing by launching an innovative instrument.

The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with the Mohammed VI Investment Fund (FM6I) and CDG, will launch an innovative financing instrument to stimulate investment in Moroccan start-ups.

The goal is to address the lack of "Business Angels" in Morocco and support young innovative companies during the early stages of their development, a riskier and less attractive period for traditional investors.

OCP Nutricrops: OCP Group Ventures into Customized Plant Nutrition Solutions

The OCP Group announced today the launch of OCP Nutricrops, a new subsidiary dedicated to fully customized plant nutrition solutions. This initiative aims to address global challenges in food production and sustainability, while contributing to a fair agricultural transition.

OCP Nutricrops will leverage OCP Group's advanced production and distribution capabilities in phosphate-based plant nutrition. The objective is to provide farmers with tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of their soils and crops.

AtlantaSanad Assurance Renews Its ISO 9001 V 2015 Certification for Bancassurance Activity for the 5th Time

AtlantaSanad Assurance announced today the renewal of its ISO 9001 Version 2015 quality certification for its Bancassurance activity. This distinction confirms the company's commitment to providing superior quality service to its clients and partners.

Initially obtained in March 2020, this certification was the first of its kind in the insurance market in Morocco, making AtlantaSanad Assurance a pioneer in ISO 9001 certification for its Bancassurance scope.

The certification renewal was carried out by the Bureau Veritas firm, accredited by Cofrac. The audit revealed no deviations from the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, highlighting the rigor and effectiveness of the quality management system implemented by AtlantaSanad Assurance.

"The renewal of this certification for the fifth consecutive year reinforces our strategy focused on a performance-based management system," said Jalal Benchekroun, CEO of AtlantaSanad Assurance.

"This distinction represents the daily commitment of our employees to maintain the trust of our clients and partners, and to place quality at the heart of our customer orientation," he added.

Industry: Ryad Mezzour Advocates for the Promotion of Women

Female leadership in the industry was celebrated on Monday at an event organized by the magazine Industrie du Maroc. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Commerce, called for more efforts to allow women to take on greater responsibilities in this sector.

Mr. Mezzour highlighted that female representation in the industry is notable, with 40% of workers being women. This figure "significantly" surpasses that of other sectors and reflects an undeniable contribution to daily value creation.

However, the minister also noted that women are underrepresented in leadership positions. They occupy only 11% of project manager positions in new projects.

Mr. Mezzour announced that initiatives are underway to specifically support female investment in the industry. Joint programs with partners such as the Association of Women Business Leaders of Morocco (AFEM) are being conducted to encourage women to invest in this sector.

Le Matin du Sahara

Moroccan Sahara: De Mistura and Ivanko to Brief the Security Council

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door briefing on April 10 to discuss the issue of the Moroccan Sahara. Staffan de Mistura, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, and Alexander Ivanko, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of MINURSO, will present their statements.

This meeting is part of item 11 of Security Council Resolution 2701, adopted in October 2023. This resolution urged the Secretary-General to report to the Council within six months on the progress of negotiations held under his auspices, the implementation of the resolution, the assessment of MINURSO operations, and measures taken to overcome encountered difficulties.

During the session, Mr. de Mistura and Mr. Ivanko are expected to inform Council members about the progress of negotiations, achievements, and obstacles encountered. They will also discuss efforts to relaunch the political process and achieve a just and lasting solution to the conflict.

National Day for Persons with Disabilities: Aawatif Hayar Details Implemented Actions and Policies

On the occasion of the National Day for Persons with Disabilities, Aawatif Hayar, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, reviewed the actions and policies implemented by her department to promote this population category.

Morocco has made significant progress in promoting persons with disabilities, particularly in terms of inclusion and support. Ms. Hayar highlighted the government's efforts to ensure the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and provide them with the necessary conditions for their full integration.

Parliamentary Return: Race for Leadership Positions Begins

The Moroccan Parliament is gearing up for a pivotal period. In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution, significant changes are expected within the governing structures of both Chambers. This crucial renewal phase raises questions, especially regarding power dynamics within the government majority.

As the parliamentary return approaches, scheduled for the second Friday of April, negotiations intensify for the composition of the Chamber of Representatives' bureau and the chairmanships of permanent committees. The stakes are high, as these positions influence the functioning of Parliament and the passage of laws.

According to observers, Kachid Talbi Alami of the RNI, the majority party, is well-positioned to retain the presidency of the Chamber of Representatives. His reappointment would confirm the RNI's dominant position within the government coalition.

The PAM, the second-largest party in the majority, has never chaired the Chamber of Representatives. It could vie for the chairmanship of a significant permanent committee, such as finance or foreign affairs.

L'Opinion

Red Meat: Wholesalers Excluded from Import Market Speak Out

The red meat sector in Morocco is in turmoil. Wholesalers are mobilizing against their exclusion from the import market for calves destined for slaughter. This decision, made by the Ministry of Agriculture, has sparked a strong reaction from these professionals who fear for their survival.

Earlier this year, the government announced the cancellation of VAT and customs duties on bovine imports. This measure aimed to stabilize red meat prices and ensure adequate supply during periods of high demand.

However, wholesalers in Casablanca were denied authorization to import calves, unlike other importers. This decision, deemed arbitrary and discriminatory, has caused an outcry within the wholesaler community.

The import ban has had a significant impact on wholesalers. Their stocks are dwindling, their customers are dissatisfied, and their survival is threatened.

33rd FAO Regional Conference for Africa: Mobilization of African Ambassadors

Ambassadors of African countries represented in Morocco met on Tuesday in Rabat to discuss preparations for the 33rd FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33). This conference, scheduled for April 18 to 20, 2024, under the theme "Resilient Agri-food Systems and Inclusive Rural Transformation," will provide African countries with an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural and food sector.

Chaired by the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Mohammed Sadiki, and attended by the FAO Representative in Morocco, Jean Sena-houn, and the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting aimed to raise awareness among Ambassadors about the importance of this conference and discuss their participation.

The conference will also allow African Ministers of Agriculture to participate in the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco (SIAM), scheduled for April 22 to 28 in Meknes.

Les Inspirations Eco 

Berkane: An Ambitious Strategy for Sustainable Mobility

The province of Berkane is committed to an ambitious strategy for promoting sustainable mobility, with a particular focus on transitioning to electric transportation and improving road infrastructure.

During the Sustainable Mobility Forum, Mohamed Ali Habouha, governor of the province, emphasized that sustainable transportation is a necessity to meet global expectations, Morocco's commitments, and the challenges of climate change.

Berkane's flagship initiative is BIGGEST (Berkane Inclusive Good Governance and Eco-Smart Sustainable Territory). This roadmap aims to implement royal guidelines on sustainable development and economic and social inclusion. Transportation is an important component of this strategy.

A local development company, "Harakiat Berkane," was established by the province's 16 municipalities to provide urban and interurban transportation. The goal is to serve all citizens and reduce the carbon footprint of the sector.

AFD Commits to Drinking Water and Sanitation in Morocco

The French Development Agency (AFD) is an important partner of Morocco in the field of drinking water and sanitation. In collaboration with various local actors, the AFD has contributed to improving access to these essential services for millions of people.

The AFD has been operating in Morocco for over 30 years. During this period, it has invested over 10 billion dirhams (approximately 1 billion euros) in the water and sanitation sector.

The AFD's actions have enabled 4 million people to access improved drinking water services and 1 million to access sustainable sanitation services.

The AFD's intervention revolves around three main axes:

Improving access to and supply of drinking water
Preserving public health and the environment
Promoting sustainable management of water resources and resilience to climate change
CESE and CGEM Unite for Inclusive Socio-Economic Development

The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen their collaboration and contribute to the country's socio-economic development.

This partnership aims to involve the private sector in formulating pragmatic recommendations to accelerate investment dynamics and seize emerging opportunities by 2030.