
Austria has affirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797 concerning the Moroccan Sahara. This stance was documented in a joint communiqué adopted in Vienna following a meeting between Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, and Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, who was on a working visit to Austria. The joint communiqué also noted Austria's commendation of Resolution 2797, which fully backs the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate and conduct negotiations based on the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. The goal is to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. Austria welcomed Morocco's willingness to clarify how autonomy within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty would be implemented. This strengthened position from Austria reinforces the growing international consensus, driven by King Mohammed VI, in favor of the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and in support of the Autonomy Initiative, which was recognized by the UN Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2797 on October 31, 2025.
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Morocco has officially launched its national Supply Chain Finance SCF strategy to address the critical working capital financing needs of its very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises TPME. These businesses represent 99.5% of companies and over 70% of formal employment but contribute only 36.3% to GDP and 20.1% to exports, largely due to extended payment terms, fragile cash flow, and limited access to financing. SCF aims to facilitate funding at various stages of the economic cycle by leveraging commercial relationships between principals, suppliers, and financial institutions. This includes tools like factoring, reverse factoring, and financing for purchase orders, inventory, or distributors. Abderrahim Bouazza, Director General of Bank Al-Maghrib, emphasized that SCF builds trust, improves risk assessment, and optimizes corporate cash management. The potential SCF market in Morocco is estimated at over 80 billion dirhams, yet current outstanding amounts are only around 6 billion, less than 10% of this potential. This contrasts with international dynamics where factoring can represent up to 11% of GDP in some European countries, compared to 2-3% in Morocco. The International Finance Corporation IFC, a technical partner, sees this as a strategic opportunity to provide SMEs with faster, cheaper, and more suitable financing while securing supply chains for large companies. The strategy is particularly relevant given current global instability, including geopolitical tensi

The Mohammed VI Football Academy officially launched its 8th International U19 Tournament on Wednesday in Salé, attended by prominent figures in Moroccan football, including former national team coach Walid Regragui, who was honored for his career. Yassir Zabiri, an academy product, was also celebrated. The tournament, running from April 22 to 26, features 16 teams from four continents, including the Mohammed VI Academy, FUS Rabat, RS Berkane, Stade Rennais, AS Monaco, Villarreal, and Palmeiras. The competition includes a two-day group stage, followed by quarter-finals and classification matches on Friday, semi-finals on Saturday, and the final and closing ceremony on Sunday.

Achraf Hakimi, a player for Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, was seen in a Parisian restaurant signing a PSG jersey for Rihanna. The jersey was emblazoned with Rihanna's name, and Hakimi inscribed it with "For Rihanna, with love." Rihanna, a global star, was pictured smiling and holding the jersey. The moment was shared by Hakimi on his social media story, leading to widespread online comments, shares, and speculation. Rihanna is known for her interest in football, particularly Paris Saint-Germain, which she has followed for several years. Hakimi's high-profile career continues to grow, establishing him as a respected figure in global football.
Must ReadThe 'Pamoja' project, intended to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations CAN across East Africa, is facing significant challenges, with the Confederation of African Football CAF now seriously considering relocating the tournament. A confidential CAF inspection report, following a February 2026 visit and seen by the French daily "Le Monde," highlights major deficiencies, particularly in Uganda. None of the inspected stadiums in Uganda currently meet the 'category 4' requirements for hosting CAN 2027, and the Hoima complex shows structural flaws. The renovation of Kampala's Nelson-Mandela Stadium is also significantly delayed. Kenya's preparations are similarly behind schedule, with the Moi International Sports Centre and the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi facing scrutiny. The Talanta Stadium, initially expected by late 2025, is now projected for July 2026. Tanzania is the only co-host making satisfactory progress. CAF has noted a critical lack of coordination among the three countries, especially regarding transport and accommodation infrastructure. In response, CAF is reportedly preparing a 'plan B,' with South Africa emerging as a strong candidate to host the entire event due to its experience and infrastructure from the 2010 World Cup. Another option being discussed is integrating Rwanda as a partial fallback if one of the current hosts withdraws. Despite assurances from Kenyan Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, the pressure on CAF to ensure a successful tournament is mounting.