Morocco overtakes South Africa as Africa top industrial economy

Morocco has overtaken South Africa to become Africa’s leading industrial economy, according to the African Development Bank’s 2025 Africa Industrialisation Index (AII). The report attributes the achievement to Morocco’s sustained move up the industrial value chain, increasingly diversified exports and a robust industrial policy. The report was presented alongside the first Africa Industrial Investment Barometer (AfIIB), developed by WITBA Invest SA in partnership with

Morocco heatwave raises wildfire risk in several provinces

The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) has warned of a renewed risk of wildfires in forested areas between May 26 and 29, 2026, as Morocco experiences a heatwave expected to push temperatures as high as 45°C in some regions. According to a risk map released by the agency, ANEF identified an extreme wildfire risk in the provinces of Kénitra, Khémisset, Rabat, Salé, Skhirate and Témara. The risk level is considered high in the provinces of Chefchaouen,

Algeria repatriates 21 Moroccan migrants via Zouj Beghal border crossing

Twenty-one Moroccan migrants were handed over by Algerian authorities on Monday through the temporary reopening of the Zouj Beghal border crossing, according to the Moroccan Association for Assistance to Migrants in Difficult Situations. In a statement, the association said all those repatriated were men who had either attempted irregular migration or had been staying in Algeria without legal status. Most had completed prison sentences under Algerian legislation regulating the entry and stay

Moroccan man dies after diving into Trebbia River in Italy

A 41-year-old Moroccan man died on Sunday after diving into the Trebbia River in the province of Piacenza in northern Italy. According to Italian media, the victim went into the water from a riverside beach area at around 2 p.m. but never resurfaced. Friends immediately raised the alarm, triggering a major rescue operation involving firefighters, mountain rescue teams and emergency medical services, including helicopters. Fire brigade divers later recovered the man’s body after it had

Ireland rebuffs «SADR» recognition push

Calls for Ireland to recognize the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)» were once again raised in the Irish Parliament by Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, a member of the opposition Sinn Féin party who has repeatedly addressed the issue. Responding to an oral question from the parliamentarian, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Neale Richmond reiterated that Ireland supports a political solution under United Nations auspices, in line with international

Sound Energy exits Morocco’s Tendrara gas project in $57 million deal

London-listed gas company Sound Energy has agreed to sell its remaining 20% stake in the Tendrara gas concession in Morocco to Managem for $57 million, marking the British company’s exit from the project. The deal involves the sale of Sound Energy Meridja Limited, which holds the company’s interests in the Tendrara exploitation concession, the company announced on Tuesday. Following completion of the transaction, Managem and its affiliates will hold a 75% operated stake in the

Sahara: U.S. congressional delegation holds talks with Nasser Bourita

Nasser Bourita held talks on Monday in Rabat with a delegation from the United States Congress led by Trent Kelly, Morocco’s foreign ministry said. «I strongly support Morocco’s autonomy proposal», which has been endorsed by «United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797», the Republican congressman from Mississippi said following his meeting with Morocco’s top diplomat. Kelly also highlighted the depth of the historic ties between Morocco and the

Rabat unveils commemorative stamp for World Book Capital 2026

Barid Al-Maghrib, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, unveiled on Monday a commemorative postage stamp marking Rabat’s designation as World Book Capital 2026. The unveiling ceremony for the special issue was held at the Barid Al-Maghrib Museum in the presence of Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Barid Al-Maghrib Director General Amin Benjelloun Touimi, the regional director of UNESCO’s Maghreb office Charaf Ahmimed, and several other figures. The

Two French men missing after catamaran found empty off Tangier

Two French nationals have been reported missing after encountering «difficulties» aboard their catamaran, Stella, which was later found empty off the coast of Tangier. Citing AFP on Monday, the National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center and the father of one of the passengers said an initial distress alert had been issued on Sunday at around 2:15 a.m. A life raft was later found about five kilometers off the coast, but without the two men aboard. According to the same sources,

Bilal El Khannouss completes permanent move to Stuttgart

Moroccan footballer Bilal El Khannouss has completed a permanent move to VfB Stuttgart after the German club activated the clause included in his loan agreement from Leicester City, the club announced on Monday. Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth praised the Moroccan international’s performances, saying El Khannouss had «delivered convincing performances in all competitions» while also establishing himself as «a central figure» in Morocco’s

Fez court postpones Abdelali Hamieddine trial in murder case

The Criminal Appeals Chamber at the Fez Court of Appeal decided on Monday to once again postpone the hearing in the case surrounding the killing of leftist student Mohamed Benaïssa Aït El Jid, in which Abdelali Hamieddine is being prosecuted, until October 15. Hamieddine is being tried in connection with the 1993 case on charges of complicity in premeditated murder with intent and lying in wait. The postponement came following a request from the defense team, which sought additional

Morocco’s lemon exports surge, Russia becomes top buyer

Morocco exported 11,400 tons of lemons worth more than $6 million between October 2025 and March 2026, already surpassing the country’s total exports for the entire 2024/25 season, according to EastFruit. The figure represents a 17% increase over last season and more than double the export volumes recorded in 2023/24. February marked the seasonal peak, with 4,200 tons shipped abroad. Russia emerged as the main destination, increasing imports sevenfold and accounting for 48.2% of

Moroccan banks to close exceptionally on Friday for Eid al-Adha

Banks across Morocco will exceptionally close on Friday, May 29, on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Professional Group of Banks of Morocco (GPBM) announced on Monday. In a statement, the group said each bank would be responsible for informing its employees and customers of the decision. The GPBM added that banks will continue ensuring the continuity of essential banking services through digital channels, while also guaranteeing the regular replenishment and proper technical functioning of

Morocco youth and culture ministry joins PNDAI access to information portal

A partnership agreement for the accession of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, along with the institutions and bodies under its supervision, to the National Portal for the Right of Access to Information (PNDAI) was signed on Sunday in Rabat on the sidelines of the third edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo. The signing ceremony was chaired by Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and Omar Seghrouchni, president of the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection

Badou Zaki shortlisted for Mali head coach job

Badou Zaki is among five candidates shortlisted for the position of head coach of Mali national football team, following the dismissal of Tom Saintfiet in late April, the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) announced. In a statement, Femafoot said that five candidates were selected from a total of 28 applications reviewed by the committee tasked with appointing a successor to the Belgian coach. The shortlist includes Moroccan coach Badou Zaki, Congolese manager Florent Ibenge, Mali’s

Europol places Dutch-Moroccan fugitive on Europe’s most wanted list

Dutch-Moroccan fugitive Sellam Agarroum, 35, has been added to Europol’s list of Europe’s most wanted criminals, with authorities warning that he is considered armed and dangerous and still has more than 1,800 days left to serve in prison. According to Europol, Agarroum, originally from Amsterdam, has been on the run from police and judicial authorities for some time and has two serious convictions linked to armed robberies, Dutch media reported.  In 2011, Agarroum was

Ceuta-Morocco border queues exceed five hours ahead of Eid Al Adha

The Tarajal border crossing between Ceuta and Morocco has experienced waiting times of more than five hours in recent hours, as the number of vehicles and travelers surged ahead of Eid al-Adha, expected on Wednesday. Security sources told EFE that average waiting times in the Loma Colmenar area, located around 200 meters from the border and used by all vehicles heading toward the crossing, have exceeded five hours. In response to the congestion, the Spanish government delegation activated

Ayyoub Bouaddi says Morocco call up is a «relief»

Ayyoub Bouaddi made his first public remarks this weekend after being called up to the Morocco national football team. Speaking from the Atlas Lions’ training camp at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder described joining the national team as «a relief». «I am very proud and very happy to return to my country, Morocco. I hope we will achieve great things in the competitions to come», he