Azimut expands into Morocco with investment in two Red Med Capital companies  (Read more...)

Moroccan activist jailed for «offensive» posts about Saudi Arabia

A court in the city of Khouribga sentenced, Monday, activist and member of the Justice and Spirituality Group (Al Adl Wal Ihsan), Mohamed Boustati, to one year in prison on charges of defamation. This verdict came after he posted comments on his Facebook account about the war in Gaza, which were deemed «offensive» to Saudi Arabia. In a statement, lawyer Mohamed Nouini explained that the trial was based on a complaint filed by Saudi intelligence services «regarding posts

Marine Le Pen urges France to ban Muslim Brotherhood

Marine Le Pen, the president of the National Rally (RN) group in the National Assembly of France, called on Bruno Retailleau this Tuesday to ban the Muslim Brotherhood in France. The MP and departmental councilor for the far-right party in Pas-de-Calais reacted on her social media to a statement made by the Minister of the Interior during an appearance on CNews. «He seems to have precise information about the danger posed by the Muslim Brotherhood. We have been warning about this threat

Marrakech-Vienna research collaboration to protect Morocco's Argan forests

The Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna (BOKU) are collaborating on the Argan Africa-UniNet research project, which aims to preserve Morocco’s argan forests through sustainable solutions. Announced on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, the initiative focuses on both protecting and regenerating these forests, using advanced technologies to assess their condition and extent. The project's goal is to

Moroccan variant of the measles virus found in Brussels sewage water

A Moroccan variant of the measles virus, genotype B3, has been detected in high concentrations in Brussels sewage, researchers from KU Leuven reported. The virus, linked to an ongoing outbreak in Morocco, has been on the rise across Europe, with cases already reported in the Netherlands, Spain, and France. In Brussels, although only 18 cases have been reported in 2025, experts believe the actual number is higher, as many cases may go unreported. Morocco has seen over 25,000 measles cases since

Calls for investigation after Moroccan child's mysterious death in Syrian camp

The National Coordination Committee for the Families of Moroccan Detainees and Stranded Individuals in Syria and Iraq has reported the death of a 7-year-old Moroccan girl «under mysterious and tragic circumstances» at the Al-Roj camp in northern Syria. In a statement, the committee confirmed that the child was buried without any investigation into the cause of her death, as the Kurdish camp administration failed to conduct an inquiry, further deepening the suffering of her family

Moroccan man arrested for gangmastering and labor exploitation in Italy

A Moroccan man was arrested in Palagonia, Catania, for gangmastering and labor exploitation, Italian media reported on Tuesday. The Guardia di Finanza apprehended him while he was transporting workers to citrus fields. Investigators, following the vehicle, discovered three non-EU workers subjected to degrading conditions, lacking contracts, protective equipment, and proper medical checks. They were also denied their weekly day off and paid below the legal wage. Additionally, the arrested man

Morocco's Tangier Med rises in global port rankings

Tanger Med Port has climbed to 17th place in the Alphaliner 2024 ranking, strengthening its position as Africa’s top port and a major global hub. With one of the fastest growth rates worldwide, it continues to expand its influence on international trade. In 2024, Tanger Med handled 10.24 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), an 18.9% increase from the previous year. This puts it among the fastest-growing ports in the world, just behind Los Angeles/Long Beach (+19.8%) and

Morocco extends soft wheat import subsidies through 2025

Morocco will extend its wheat import subsidy program until December 31, 2025, the National Interprofessional Office of Cereals and Legumes (ONICL) has announced. The decision, made by the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture, underscores the continued reliance on imports due to persistent drought conditions. Initially set to expire in April, the program will be renewed starting May 1, with further details to be announced. Authorities will also introduce subsidies to incentivize importers to

Germany withdraws Moroccan peppers over excessive pesticide residues

German authorities have withdrawn a batch of Moroccan peppers from the market due to excessive pesticide residues, according to a European Commission report dated March 21, 2025. The peppers were transported to Germany via Spanish operators, as reported by Hortoinfo. Laboratory tests detected Abamectin concentrations ranging from 0.12 mg/kg to 0.29 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.03 mg/kg. The European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) classified this finding

Algeria renews push for MINURSO to monitor human rights in the Sahara

On Monday, March 24, Algeria renewed its request for the UN Security Council to expand MINURSO's mandate to include human rights monitoring in the Sahara. Algeria's permanent representative to the UN made the appeal during a meeting of the Fifteen, which focused on improving the adaptability of UN peacekeeping operations. In his speech, the diplomat argued that «MINURSO remains a notable exception among all peace operations in Africa, as the only one without a human rights

Algerian President Tebboune claims «drug war» threat from western borders

Although Algeria’s land borders with Morocco have been closed since August 1994, the country continues to claim that drug trafficking from Morocco threatens its security. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reiterated this stance on Sunday, March 23, during a speech to his ministers. Tebboune described Algeria as being under an «undeclared war», in which drugs in various forms are being used as a weapon to target the country’s western and southern borders. He blamed

Bacha Coffee to launch on Champs-Élysées in April 2025

Bacha Coffee, Morocco’s iconic coffee brand, is opening its first European salon on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Set to launch in mid-April 2025 at 26 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the space will blend Moroccan palace-inspired elegance with modern touches. With a €22 million investment, the salon promises an immersive coffee experience, featuring more than 200 varieties of 100% Arabica coffee from 35 countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, and Yemen. Guests

Dislog Group expands in pharma with Farmalac acquisition

Dislog Group has announced a strategic partnership with Farmalac to acquire the entire capital of Farmalac in exchange for a share swap with Dislog Group. This move is part of Dislog's external growth strategy (M&A) and will strengthen its position in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the distribution of packaging materials and raw materials. Founded in 1997 by the late Luigi Ghizlanzoni, Farmalac is a leading player in the healthcare sector. Since 2022, it has expanded its

Sahara : Morocco's FM meets Staffan de Mistura in Rabat ahead of UN consultations

Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita met on Monday in Rabat with Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara, as part of his regional tour. The visit comes ahead of informal consultations at the UN Security Council, scheduled for mid-April 2025, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates. The meeting was also attended by Omar

Morocco and Ghana sign visa exemption agreement

Morocco and Ghana have signed a visa exemption agreement for travelers from both countries. This agreement will soon be sent to the Moroccan and Ghanaian parliaments for ratification, according to Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The announcement was made on Monday following a meeting between Ghana’s foreign minister and Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil. The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation in the agri-food, tourism, and

Morocco struggles with rising tuberculosis and drug resistance, with 37,000 cases annually

As the world marks World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, the Moroccan Network for the Defense of the Right to Health and the Right to Life has raised concerns over Morocco’s worsening tuberculosis crisis. The country faces rising cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis amid medication shortages and ineffective diagnostic and treatment strategies. Morocco records approximately 37,000 tuberculosis cases annually, with around 4,000 deaths each year. The prevalence remains high at 87,000 cases

King Mohammed VI appoints new officials to key constitutional institutions

King Mohammed VI appointed on Monday, March 24, new officials to constitutional institutions. The announcement was made through a statement by the Royal Cabinet. Abdelkader Amara was named President of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council. A Moroccan PJD politician, he has held various key roles in the country's government, including serving as Minister of Equipment, Transport, Logistics, and Water from 2012 to 2021. He also acted as Minister of Health and Minister of Economy and

Akdital opens 34th healthcare facility in Guelmim

The Akdital Group has opened the Guelmim Private Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility offering 126 beds and a comprehensive range of medical and surgical specialties. This 250 million dirham investment is part of the group’s strategy to modernize Morocco's healthcare sector. The Guelmim Private Hospital provides essential local care, reducing the need for residents to travel to major cities for advanced medical services. The facility boasts 8 ultra-modern operating rooms, including