Daily Press Review - Thursday, June 27, 2024

Success of the 2024 Baccalaureate: Pass Rate Increases by 8 Points to 67.8%

The Ministry of National Education announced this Wednesday the long-awaited results of the baccalaureate for the 2023-2024 academic year. This year is marked by a significant increase in the pass rate, reaching 67.8%, an increase of 8 points compared to last year.

A total of 245,881 students from public and private schools obtained their diplomas this year, including 143,366 girls, achieving a pass rate of 72% for girls compared to 62.6% for boys.

In total, 362,848 candidates took the exams, showing a participation rate of 97.4%. Among them, 74,556 independent candidates tried their luck, with a pass rate of 39.5%.

The international baccalaureate streams recorded a pass rate of 70.7%, while the professional baccalaureate streams had a pass rate of 64.2%.

1,024 candidates with disabilities passed the exams, with a success rate of 75.7%, demonstrating the Ministry's commitment to inclusion.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Sand and Marble Quarries: Dysfunctionalities Costing the State Dearly

A parliamentary exploration mission conducted by the House of Representatives has revealed major failures in the sand and marble quarry sector, leading to significant losses for public finances. The mission's report, presented last Tuesday to the Permanent Commission for Infrastructure, Energy, Mines, and Environment, highlights a loss of more than 900 million dirhams annually for the state.

Currently, the revenues generated by these quarries do not exceed 40 to 50 million dirhams annually, far from the initial estimates. This alarming situation is due to several factors, including the reduction of taxes on crushed sand and other types of sand, as well as the persistence of uncontrolled quarries, numbering over 1,800.

The report points out the persistence of monopolies in the sector, fostering anti-competitive practices and limiting tax revenues. Furthermore, the illegal exploitation of quarries, often unlisted, deprives the state of valuable resources and causes significant environmental damage.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Morocco Chairs the 21st Meeting of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network: Strengthening Cooperation for a Safer World

Under the enlightened presidency of Saïd Mouline, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR), the 21st Steering Committee meeting of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN) took place in Vienna. This international meeting, which brought together 113 member states, was an opportunity to reaffirm the collective commitment to a world where nuclear energy is used safely and securely.

In her opening speech, Lydie Evrard, Deputy Director General in charge of Nuclear Safety and Security at the IAEA, emphasized the crucial role of the GNSSN as a platform for the exchange and sharing of knowledge in nuclear safety and security. The network, which now includes 113 member states, encourages collaboration among various stakeholders to promote excellence in this field.

The Moroccan presidency of this 21st meeting testifies to the Kingdom's commitment to nuclear safety on an international scale. Indeed, Morocco has always been a staunch advocate of the responsible use of nuclear energy, ensuring that the highest safety standards are upheld.

Source: Le Matin du Sahara

Banking: Encouraging Progress but Challenges Remain

On June 6, the Cercle des ÉCO organized a roundtable on the crucial theme of banking in Morocco. This meeting brought together key players from the banking and financial sector, such as Mehdi Benbachir (Société Générale Maroc), M’Hamed El Moussaoui (Al-Barid Bank), Hakima Alami (Bank Al-Maghrib), and Xavier Reille (IFC Maghreb and Djibouti), to discuss the issues and prospects of financial inclusion in Morocco.

While efforts by banks and financial institutions have led to encouraging results in banking, major challenges remain. Gender parity in access to financial services is still an objective to be achieved, as noted by Mehdi Benbachir of Société Générale Maroc. "It is imperative to implement specific strategies for these segments of the population," he insists.

Among the key levers to boost financial inclusion are microfinance and digitalization. Microfinance, still underutilized, is a crucial tool for reaching the most vulnerable populations and integrating them into the financial system, as highlighted by M’Hamed El Moussaoui of Al-Barid Bank. A new law in preparation should support this sector, alongside other alternative models such as mobile payments and micro-insurance.

Digitalization, accelerated by the Covid crisis, has also played a decisive role in expanding access to banking services. New telecom infrastructures, innovative technologies, and the agility of economic actors have allowed significant strides to be made. "Technology is set to play an increasingly important role, with the determining element being the data available on customers," says Xavier Reille of the IFC.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Timitar 2024: Agadir Vibrates to the Rhythm of Music and Culture from July 4 to 7

After an exceptional 2023 edition in September, the Timitar Festival returns to its traditional early July date, from July 4 to 7, 2024. For this 19th edition, Agadir is set to vibrate to a rich and diverse program, celebrating Amazigh music and cultures from around the world.

Timitar 2024 will kick off on Thursday, July 4, across three stages: Place Al Amal, the Verdure Theater, and Place Al Wahda. The latter, dedicated to young talents, was a great success last year and will be continued for this edition.

True to its identity, Timitar will honor Amazigh music with iconic artists such as Hamid Inerzaf, Oudaden, and traditional groups like the Ahouach from Taliouine, Tata, and Imin Tanout. The new generation of Amazigh artists will also be represented by Fatima Tachtoukt, Karim Lajwad, Joubantouja, Tassouta N'Imal, Meteor Airlines, and Ribab Fusion.

Timitar 2024 will also offer a musical journey around the world with internationally renowned artists. Faia Younan (Syria), Hamza Namira (Egypt), Abu (Morocco), Oum (Morocco), Douzi (Morocco), Zakaria Ghafouli (Morocco), and Hasba Groove (Morocco) will delight fans of fusion and Arab pop.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Tariffs for the Use of Medium Voltage Electrical Networks: ANRE Launches a Call for Competitive Bids for a More Efficient Calculation Methodology

As part of strengthening the national energy strategy aimed at promoting renewable energy and self-production of electricity, the National Authority for the Regulation of Electricity (ANRE) is launching a call for competitive bids to define a methodology for calculating the tariffs for the use of medium voltage (MV) electrical networks.

This call for competitive bids aims to identify a consulting firm capable of assisting ANRE in defining a detailed methodology and a model for calculating MV tariffs. These tariffs, applied by network operators (CRD), will compensate for the services provided to customers under Law 13-09 on renewable energy and Law 82-21 on self-production of electrical energy.

The national energy strategy launched in 2009 aims to increase the attractiveness of the renewable energy sector in Morocco and to promote the development of an ecosystem operating in green electricity production. In this context, Morocco has strengthened its legislative, regulatory, and institutional framework, notably by enacting Law 40-19 amending and supplementing Law 13-09 on renewable energy and Law 82-21 on self-production of electrical energy.

These two laws define the rules and conditions to ensure the progressive opening of the renewable energy market in Morocco through the promotion of private initiatives for the production, commercialization, and export of renewable energy via access to electrical networks.

Source: Les Inspirations Eco

Memorandum of Understanding for Sustainable Water Management in Agriculture in Morocco

On the sidelines of the Resilience Days in Morocco, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). This partnership aims to rationalize the use of water in the agricultural sector, a crucial issue for food security and sustainable development in Morocco.

This memorandum of understanding is part of Morocco's "Green Generation" strategy, which aims to promote sustainable and resilient agriculture in the face of climate change. The three main objectives of this partnership are:

• Developing the sector of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture. Wastewater represents a valuable but often underutilized resource. By reusing it for irrigation, it is possible to reduce pressure on freshwater resources and protect the environment.
• Optimizing water productivity in territories and agricultural operations. This involves implementing more efficient irrigation techniques, raising awareness among farmers about good water management practices, and investing in modern infrastructure.
• Supporting sustainable agricultural growth. Rational water use is essential to ensure food security and the prosperity of Morocco's agricultural sector.

The partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and the IWMI is an important initiative to strengthen Morocco's resilience to water challenges. The IWMI is an internationally recognized research organization known for its expertise in sustainable water management. Its experience and knowledge will be valuable for Morocco in implementing its "Green Generation" strategy.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Medical Exams: The Standoff Between Students and Government Intensifies

The standoff between medical students and the government is intensifying. As the exams scheduled to begin on June 26 were marked by a low participation rate, both parties remain steadfast in their positions.

Medical students have decided to continue boycotting the exams, protesting the lack of a written agreement on their demands. According to Mehdi Ben Hamida, coordinator of the National Committee of Medical and Dentistry Students, the government refused to formalize the commitments made during recent meetings, prompting students to maintain their movement.

On the other hand, the government stands by its decision to reduce the duration of medical training from seven to six years. Government spokesperson Mustapha Baïtas justified this reform by the need to adapt the curriculum to new health sector requirements and international standards. He also assured that the quality of training would not be compromised despite the shortened study period.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch accused hidden parties of manipulating the students and prolonging the strike. He urged the students to focus on their studies and not be swayed by hidden agendas.

Source: Aujourd'hui le Maroc

Saïd Naciri Loses His Seat as President of Casablanca Prefectural Council

Following his preventive detention in a drug trafficking case, Saïd Naciri, an elected member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and president of the Casablanca Prefectural Council, has lost his seat. The Ministry of the Interior has officially declared the presidency vacant and opened the candidacy period for his successor.

Saïd Naciri has been incarcerated for a year and a half in connection with a drug trafficking case. His trial continues before the Financial and Economic Crimes Chamber of the Casablanca Court of Appeal, with the next hearing scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Despite Saïd Naciri's situation, the PAM appears poised to retain the presidency of the Casablanca Prefectural Council. A pact concluded between the PAM, the RNI, and the Istiqlal Party after the 2021 legislative elections had allocated the presidencies of the city's three local councils, with the PAM securing the prefectural council's presidency.

Potential candidates to succeed Saïd Naciri include Ahmed Brija, a member of the Sidi Moumen District Council, Kenza Chraïbi, president of the Sidi Belyout District Council, and Abdelkader Boudraâ, vice-president of the Hay Hassani District Council.

Source: Liberation