5G technology central to Morocco's future economic and political challenges
via Le Matin4 min read
The 2026 Africa Executive Roundtable, organized by One Africa Forums in partnership with Ericsson and under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, highlighted 5G as a critical infrastructure for national competitiveness. Discussions in Rabat emphasized that 5G is more than a technological advancement; it is a driver of industrial power and sovereignty, crucial for African economies undergoing digital, industrial, and energy transitions. Khadija Laraqui, Development Director at One Africa Forums, underscored 5G's role as the backbone for African development, linking performance, innovation, and sustainability. Mohamed Ouhmed, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, noted 5G's potential for industrial performance and energy management optimization, aligning with Morocco's green transition. The event also stressed digital sovereignty, with Badr Ndour, Head of Networks at Ericsson for West and Southern Africa, advocating for trusted partners to ensure regulatory compliance and data protection. Amine El Rhayour, Vice-President of OMSN, discussed how 5G, particularly private 5G, can transform industrial models and enhance local value creation, citing logistics as an example where intelligent systems can optimize operations. He also emphasized the need for sovereign cloud solutions to retain control over data and its generated wealth. Speakers presented various applications, from Industry 4.0 to sma
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The relationship between Morocco and Brazil is built on strong political trust, economic complementarity, and a shared vision for South-South cooperation, according to Brazilian Ambassador Alexandre Guido Lopes Parola. High-level visits in 2024 have structured bilateral dialogue, leading to record economic exchanges. In December 2023, Brazilian parliamentarians advocated for a stronger strategic partnership, satisfied with the "remarkable" evolution of political and economic relations. This initiative led to the establishment of the Brazil-Morocco parliamentary group in the Federal Senate in 2023, focusing on strategic sectors like food security, fertilizers, renewable energy, and scientific research. Key cooperation areas include agriculture, fertilizers, agro-industry, and food trade, with growing interest in aeronautics, infrastructure, and logistics. Promising prospects lie in agricultural innovation, energy, and value chain integration, with Tanger Med enhancing logistical connectivity. Brazil recognizes Morocco's growing role as a strategic platform in Africa, offering opportunities for triangular cooperation where Morocco can be a gateway for Brazilian companies into Africa, and Brazil can facilitate access to South America. The Brazilian Senate adopted a motion in June 2023 supporting Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Sahara. Brazil remains committed to a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution within the UN framework, noting recent developments
A regional workshop in Casablanca, organized by Morocco's Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, addressed the limitations of the current development model, which has historically concentrated investments and opportunities in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. The workshop, attended by ministerial representatives, private sector leaders, and international experts, aimed to establish a common reference framework for regional and local actors, based on relevant indicators and a shared vision of territorial dynamics. Ahmed El Hamidi, Secretary General for Regional Affairs at the Wilaya of Casablanca-Settat, emphasized the need for proactive, integrated, and participatory strategies involving the state, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society. Latifa Nehnahi, Director of the National Territorial Planning Department, highlighted a paradigm shift, stating that each territory should develop according to its unique potential and specificities, moving away from centralized planning focused on poles of excellence. She stressed that territorial attractiveness now includes improving quality of life, ensuring citizens can remain in their regions and live with dignity, alongside productive and temporary attractiveness. An unprecedented study, presented at the workshop, identified eight territorial profiles, including rural areas facing vulnerability and urban centers under pressure or saturated. Mohamed Aabid, Regional Inspector of Ur
The Mohammed VI Tower in Rabat stands as Morocco's tallest skyscraper and one of Africa's highest, visible from various points in Rabat and Salé. Beyond its 250-meter height, the tower is a significant architectural landmark with economic, urban, and strategic implications. Leila Haddaoui, Deputy CEO of O Tower, stated that the tower is an emblematic monument deploying international standards in engineering and technology while showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship. The tower's design, resembling a rocket, was inspired by Othman Benjelloun's experience at a NASA Apollo 12 simulation in the late 1960s, fostering an architectural vision of elevation and ambition. The project was a collaboration between the Belgian group Besix, the Moroccan group TGCC, and Spanish architect Rafael de la-Hoz, with Moroccan architect Hakim Benjelloun. Leila Haddioui emphasized that the project was a collective effort involving thousands of individuals, including architects, engineers, hoteliers, and historians, to highlight Moroccan history and heritage. The construction involved over a hundred foundation barrettes up to 60 meters deep, more than 1,800 piles, 24,000 m³ of concrete, and over 10,000 tons of steel. The tower spans over 102,000 m² of gross floor area on a 30,000 m² plot, featuring extensive glass facades and photovoltaic panels for sustainable energy. It includes 38 elevators and over 550 parking spaces. The tower also integrates culture with nearly 7,000 artworks by over 140 Moroccan and
BreakingThe two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire on Tuesday at 23:50 GMT, according to Pakistan's Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar. Pakistan, acting as a mediator, emphasized the "essential" importance of Iran deciding to participate in negotiations with the United States in Islamabad before the truce ends. European stock markets closed lower on Tuesday, with Paris, London, Frankfurt, and Milan all seeing declines, as uncertain peace prospects in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Meanwhile, an NGO reported that Iranian authorities have arrested over 3,600 people on war-related charges, with the actual number likely higher due to internet restrictions. Lebanon announced that the recent conflict between Israel and the pro-Iranian movement Hezbollah resulted in 2,454 deaths and 7,658 injuries since March 2. The Pakistani government is still awaiting Iran's official response regarding sending a delegation to Islamabad for further talks with the US. Iran condemned arrests made by the United Arab Emirates, which claimed to have dismantled an Iran-linked "terrorist group." US President Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to release several women he claimed were threatened with execution, suggesting it would be a "very good start for negotiations." Trump also accused Iran of numerous ceasefire violations but expressed confidence in securing a "great deal." The US Department of Defense stated it had intercepted and inspected a sanction