Author: Imane Lechheb
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced backlash in Morocco after displaying a map labeling the southern region as “Western Sahara,” despite Israel officially recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the area. This incident sparked anger among Moroccans on social media, with many accusing Netanyahu of deliberate provocations. Netanyahu had previously made a similar error in May, showing a map that excluded the Moroccan Sahara. While the Israeli Foreign Ministry apologized for this mistake, Moroccan social media users condemned Netanyahu’s latest blunder. In response to the criticism, Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the error and reiterated Israel’s support for Morocco’s claim over the region. However,…
Morocco’s tourism sector is booming, with a record-breaking 10 million tourists visiting by July 2024. The country aims to attract 17 million tourists by 2026 and plans to create 200,000 new jobs. Despite challenges like declining tourist spending and overcrowding in popular areas, Morocco has implemented measures to support industry stakeholders and enhance tourism services. While the tourism sector has shown significant growth, there is still room for improvement in terms of quality. The country must focus on enhancing the overall tourism experience, including transportation, market interactions, and accommodation quality. However, the opposition has criticized the government for failing to…
Investigation Launched Into Chinese LED Light Imports Amid Dumping Allegations The Ministry of Industry and Trade has initiated a probe into the importation of Chinese-made LED lights in response to a complaint from local manufacturer Lux Lighting. The investigation seeks to determine if these imports are unfairly undercutting domestic prices through dumping practices. Starting today, the inquiry will involve gathering testimonies from Moroccan and Chinese importers and exporters. Preliminary data has already indicated enough justification for a thorough investigation, as per an official notice. Lux Lighting, holding a significant market share in public lighting fixtures in Morocco, alleges that the…
Recent reports from the Northern Observatory for Human Rights (ONDH) shed light on the failure of Morocco to protect and integrate unaccompanied minors, resulting in a surge of young individuals attempting to cross the Strait of Gibraltar to reach Ceuta. ONDH president Mohamed Benaisa emphasized the escalating numbers of minors making the perilous sea journey since 2016, indicating shortcomings in existing programs for youth integration within Morocco. The Moroccan government’s focus on security solutions rather than addressing underlying issues has exacerbated the social and human rights crisis. Despite efforts to deter migrants, organized groups of up to 200 individuals are…
The Slow Adoption of Electric Vehicles in Morocco Despite increasing environmental concerns and government incentives, Moroccan consumers have been hesitant to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) as reported by the Association of Vehicle Importers in Morocco. While fossil fuel-powered vehicles still dominate the market, EVs are slowly gaining traction with a 0.6% market share, showing a 50% increase. The growth in EV sales is attributed to an increase in available models in the Moroccan market. However, challenges such as high initial costs and limited charging infrastructure hinder widespread adoption. Government efforts including tax breaks and subsidies have not yet shifted consumer…
A recent shift in French foreign policy towards Morocco has sparked a fierce competition between French and Spanish companies vying for a share of the country’s booming infrastructure market. The French government’s acknowledgment of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara has bolstered bilateral relations, leading to increased economic cooperation. This shift in diplomatic relations has intensified the rivalry between Paris and Madrid as they compete to benefit from Morocco’s ambitious infrastructure projects, which include high-speed rail and desalination plants garnering global attention. The high-speed rail project connecting Kenitra and Marrakech, for instance, saw a consortium led by French companies Egis and…
Morocco Ranks First in Maghreb Region in Global Real Estate Transparency Index Exciting news for Morocco as it has been ranked first in the Maghreb region and 59th globally in the 2024 Global Real Estate Transparency Index by JLL Real Estate Investments and Consulting. With a score of 3.55, the country falls into the “low transparency” category. While the United Kingdom, France, and the United States topped the list as “high transparency” countries, Morocco’s ranking showcases its potential for real estate investment. Europe led in overall property transparency, with Asia-Pacific following closely behind. The Middle East and North Africa, on…
Addressing Morocco’s Water Crisis: Innovations and Strategies In the face of persistent drought and water scarcity, Morocco has implemented innovative strategies to ensure a sustainable water supply for its population. One such initiative is the construction of a 67-kilometer “water highway” aqueduct, connecting key basins and providing water to 8 million residents in cities like Rabat and Casablanca. Furthermore, Morocco has heavily invested in desalination plants, with a goal of producing 1.7 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2030. Currently, the country operates nine desalination plants, with more in the works, including the massive Casablanca mega plant. Additionally, Morocco…
Morocco Sees Decline in Global Governance Ranking for 2024 The Chandler Good Government Index has revealed that Morocco has dropped eight places in its global governance ranking for 2024, now standing at 70th out of 113 countries assessed. With a score of 0.47 out of 1, the country has shown a decline in various key areas of governance. Across categories such as leadership and vision, strength of laws and policies, institutional strength, financial governance, market attractiveness, global influence and reputation, and citizens’ quality of life, Morocco has experienced a decrease in performance. With notable declines in areas such as institutional…
Moroccan Consumer Protection Groups Split on Government Intervention to Address Rising Prices As the debate rages on regarding the recent surge in prices in Morocco, consumer protection groups are divided on whether government intervention is necessary. The discussion revolves around Law 104.12 on price freedom and competition, which grants the government authority to regulate prices in certain circumstances. While some argue that government action is crucial to combat the alarming price hikes, others believe that proper market regulation can address the issue without intervention. Ahmed Biyoud, president of the “With Consumers” association, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Article 4…