
The European Investment Bank EIB has granted Morocco €365 million to strengthen its road and rail networks. The agreements were signed by Lionel Rapaille, Deputy Director of EIB Global, Mohamed Smouni, Deputy Director General of the National Office of Railways ONCF, and Daniele Dotto, Deputy Head of the European Union EU Delegation to Morocco. The signing took place in the presence of Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance, and Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB. The first agreement involves a €50 million EIB loan, supplemented by a €15 million EU grant, for the "ONCF - Railway Rehabilitation" project. The second agreement, between the EIB and the national company Autoroutes du Maroc ADM, provides a €300 million EIB loan for the "ADM - Motorway Resilience" project. These investments aim to improve mobility, enhance infrastructure resilience, and deliver benefits for the population and businesses, while also fostering regional integration and stronger economic ties between Europe and Africa. Nadia Calviño affirmed Morocco's long-standing strategic partnership with the EIB, highlighting the Kingdom's role in regional stability and prosperity. She noted that this marks a new phase in the EU-Morocco relationship. Nadia Fettah praised the strong strategic partnership between Morocco, the EU, and the EIB, emphasizing 50 years of cooperation and 20 years of EIB presence in Morocco. She stated that the new funding supports concrete projects for sustainable and modern mobility
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Must ReadThe US administration has temporarily suspended certain countervailing duties on imports of Moroccan phosphate fertilizers. This measure, signed by President Donald Trump and valid for up to eight months, addresses supply difficulties faced by American farmers amidst global fertilizer market tensions. The White House stated that supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by conflicts in fertilizer-producing regions, and insufficient US production necessitated this emergency decision. Washington believes Morocco can now supply the American market "without interruption" to secure the upcoming agricultural season. For the OCP Group, this decision recognizes an industrial reality, confirming Morocco's strategic role in global food security and validating OCP's long-term strategy. It also highlights the relevance of investments made to strengthen the group's production capacities, develop tailored soil nutrition solutions, and increase industrial flexibility. This strategy enables OCP to quickly meet the needs of major agricultural markets in a volatile environment. Restrictions over the past five years significantly reduced Moroccan fertilizer imports, while US phosphate production has decreased by over 50% since 1995. OCP is preparing to resume exports to the US to help meet market supply needs, continuing a decade-long presence in North America through a dedicated subsidiary. Beyond the US, this decision reflects a broader international trend, with other strategic partners, like Jap

The Benteler Group has inaugurated its new production unit in Kenitra, Morocco, a year after the groundbreaking ceremony. The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, Benteler Group CEO Ralf Göttel, and Benteler Automotive Components Europe, Middle East, and North Africa President Matthias Siemer. The plant has created over 300 direct jobs, with additional professional opportunities throughout the local value chain. Minister Mezzour highlighted the plant's significance in developing the national automotive ecosystem, enhancing the competitiveness of Moroccan industry, and deepening the automotive value chain's integration. He noted that Benteler's investment reflects confidence in Morocco as an industrial hub and its attractiveness to global investors seeking a stable, high-performing, and innovation-focused environment. Mr. Göttel emphasized the strategic importance of the new site, stating that it advances Benteler's global growth and manufacturing strategy by combining industrial excellence, customer proximity, and sustainability. Mr. Siemer acknowledged the crucial role of close cooperation with partners and institutions in Morocco during the planning and start-up phases. He added that the Kenitra site increases flexibility and supply reliability, aligning with Benteler's "local-for-local" approach to produce where customers are located. Morocco offers Benteler optimal conditions, including a skilled workforce, robust industrial infrastructu

Khalid Cherkaoui has been appointed to lead the Arab Civil Aviation Organization ACAO, succeeding Abdennebi Manar, during the 29th session of the ACAO General Assembly. Concurrently, Sameh El Hefny, the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, was elected President of the ACAO General Assembly for the 2026-2028 term. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia, was reappointed as President of the organization's Executive Council. The session also included the designation of members for the ACAO's six technical committees. Participants acknowledged Morocco's active contribution to ACAO bodies and its ongoing commitment to cooperation and coordination with Arab countries to address challenges in the civil aviation sector. The importance of strengthening joint Arab cooperation in civil aviation and coordinating member states' efforts to tackle current and future challenges, ensuring the sector's sustainability and enhancing its regional and international competitiveness, was emphasized during the meeting.