French Cup : Achraf Hakimi's PSG qualifies on penalties against Ayoub El Aynaoui  (Read more...)

Health Minister reviews Mpox response and reinforces vigilance amid global developments

Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, convened a meeting on Friday with the scientific committee to review developments in the epidemiological situation of Mpox at both national and international levels. This meeting is part of the Kingdom's proactive measures and ongoing efforts to monitor and assess the epidemiological landscape, according to a press release from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. During the meeting, the effectiveness of the Kingdom's

Morocco's women's football team holds 59th in FIFA rankings, remains African top 3

Morocco's women's football team has maintained its 59th position in the latest FIFA rankings, published on Friday, and remains among the top three in Africa. Despite missing out on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which contribute to the FIFA rankings, the Atlas Lionesses continue to hold third place on the continent, behind South Africa (50th) and Nigeria (36th). Additionally, the U.S. team has regained the top spot (+4) following their victory at the Olympic Games, overtaking England (+1)

After two years of tension, France hosts meeting between Morocco and Tunisia

The 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Provence in 1944 served as the backdrop for a significant meeting between Moroccan and Tunisian officials. On the sidelines of the event, Tunisia's Foreign Minister, Nabil Ammar, met with Morocco's Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, as reported by the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release, accompanied by a photo of the meeting. During the discussion, Akhannouch and Ammar explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between

Ichem Zaher to make history as first Moroccan to attempt Enduroman

Ichem Zaher is set to make history as the first Moroccan to attempt the grueling Enduroman, a solo extreme triathlon from London to Paris. Currently based in Dakar on a commercial mission, Zaher aims to add a new chapter to Morocco's sporting legacy by competing in the event scheduled for August 19-28, 2024. The challenge involves a 140-kilometer run, a 40-kilometer swim across the English Channel, and a 300-kilometer bike ride to the French capital. Armed with courage, perseverance, and

Drunk driver arrested in Marrakech after crashing into pedestrians and drivers

Marrakech police arrested a 38-year-old French Moroccan on Thursday for reckless driving under the influence of intoxication. The driver caused a traffic accident and fled the scene, according to a press release by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN). The suspect crashed his car into several vehicles on a public street in Marrakech, injuring three cyclists and two pedestrians to varying degrees. A video of the incident was widely shared on social media. Road users intervened

Morocco's frozen strawberry exports to Japan surge

Morocco’s presence in the frozen strawberry market in Japan has grown significantly, according to data compiled by the international information-analytical platform East Fruit. In 2023, Morocco exported 4,400 tons of frozen strawberries to Japan. Along with Egypt, which exported 5,400 tons, the North African kingdom accounted for 35% of Japan's total strawberry imports, ranking slightly behind China, which shipped 10,700 tons of frozen garden strawberries to the Japanese market in

Morocco and Hungary sign archives partnership

Morocco and Hungary have formalized a partnership agreement in the field of archives. The agreement was signed on August 12, 2024, during a working visit to Budapest by Bahija Simou, Director of the Royal Archives. The partnership aims to enhance archive holdings, promote knowledge sharing in archiving and digitization, and organize joint academic and cultural events. The agreement was signed by Simou and Csaba Szabo, Director General of the Hungarian National Archives, according to a press

WHO chief urges increase in cholera vaccine production amid global shortage

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), urged an increase in cholera vaccine production, emphasizing that the current supply is far from meeting global demand. «The response continues to be affected by a critical shortage of the vaccine, as demand continues to outpace supply, with 105 million doses requested by 18 countries since January 2023. 55 million doses have been produced in the same period», he

Spain : Strait crossings surge past 2 million amid record OPE

Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) has shattered records this year, with over two million passengers embarking before August 15. A further surge in traffic is anticipated. According to EFE, Spanish Civil Protection data released on Tuesday revealed that 1,662,707 travelers departed from Spanish ports bound for North Africa, primarily Morocco, during the outbound phase. The return journey saw an additional 465,883 passengers by the same date, totaling 2,143,557 passengers in both

Moroccan international Ilias Akhomach makes Villarreal first team

Moroccan international Ilias Akhomach, who joined Spanish club Villarreal from FC Barcelona B last year, has been promoted to the first team. Villarreal unveiled its first-team squad for the 2024-2025 season on Thursday, August 15, 2024, listing Akhomach as a forward «after playing a leading role in the previous season». «Ilias Akhomach is a talented footballer who, despite his young age, excels in the attacking third, demonstrating strong potential both domestically and

Moroccan Navy rescues 124 migrants off Dakhla coast

A Royal Navy unit intercepted a migrant boat carrying 124 sub-Saharan individuals, including 12 women, approximately 240 kilometers southwest of Dakhla on Thursday. The migrants were attempting to reach the Canary Islands. After providing necessary care, the rescued individuals were transferred to the military port of Dakhla and handed over to the Royal Gendarmerie for further processing, according to a statement from the Royal Armed Forces.

Polisario and Algeria use front group to bash Chad's Dakhla consulate

Chad opened a consulate in Dakhla on August 14th, as planned. There has been no reaction from the Polisario Front or Algeria so far. Meanwhile, the media outlets of the two allies published a press release from a group of NGOs, known as the Union of National Associations for Unity and Solidarity of the Republic of Chad. The statement condemned the recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara by the government of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. The Union described this

Morocco steps up monkeypox surveillance amid global resurgence

The Morocco Ministry of Health and Social Protection has intensified its monitoring of the monkeypox outbreak following a surge of cases in several African countries. The ministry has updated its national response plan in line with WHO recommendations, it said in a press release issued Thursday. The World Health Organization declared a second public health emergency for monkeypox yesterday, citing the rapid spread of the disease and high fatality rates in some African nations. Morocco has

Brazil approves investment agreement with Morocco

Brazilian Senate approved a bilateral investment agreement with Morocco on Thursday. The deal, signed in 2019, aims to foster economic cooperation and provide legal protection for investors from both countries. Submitted by the Foreign Relations and National Defense Commission after its approval by the Chamber of Deputies in February, the draft decree was unanimously endorsed by the senators during a plenary session in the upper house of Congress, chaired by Senator Rodrigo Pacheco. The

BTR to invest $363.5 million in new anode materials plant in Morocco

BTR New Material Group, a Chinese battery materials manufacturer, will invest USD 363.5 million to build a plant in Morocco for the production of anode materials, according to Chinese media reports. The Morocco plant, BTR’s second facility in the North African country, is expected to have an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons of anode materials, reports Yicai Global, citing a statement from the company on Tuesday. The new plant will be constructed over two years at Mohammed VI

USDA to lead agribusiness trade mission to Morocco in December

U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor, will visit Morocco later this year, leading an agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca. The mission is scheduled to take place from December 2-5, according to a USDA press release issued on Thursday. «This mission presents a pivotal opportunity for U.S. agribusinesses to tap into Morocco’s dynamic market and leverage its strategic position for broader access across

Brahim Diaz becomes fourth Moroccan international to win UEFA Super Cup

Following Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Atalanta Bergamo in the European Super Cup, Spanish-Moroccan footballer Brahim Diaz has become the fourth Moroccan international to win the trophy. Achraf Hakimi with Real Madrid (2017), Hakim Ziyech with Chelsea (2021), and Munir El Haddadi with FC Barcelona (2015) are the other three Moroccan footballers who have been part of a club that won this prestigious trophy. With Real Madrid's sixth European Supercup triumph, Brahim Diaz now joins this

Energy Recovery to power Morocco's water security with $27.5 million desalination deal

American manufacturer of energy recovery devices for water and CO₂ refrigeration industries Energy Recovery announced on Thursday that it has signed contracts valued at $27.5 million to supply pressure exchangers for seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination projects in Morocco. These contracts, previously outlined in the company's financial guidance, are expected to be fulfilled by the end of 2024, reads a press release by the company. North Africa, including Morocco, is experiencing a