🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Jaida reaches 4.7 billion dirhams in cumulative microfinance funding, expands into social and solidarity economy
via Le Matin3 min read
Jaida has achieved 4.7 billion dirhams in cumulative funding for microfinance in Morocco since its inception in 2007, benefiting nearly two million individuals through 82 operations. The institution has financed seven microcredit associations across all regions of the Kingdom and Tamwil El Fellah, a specialized financing company for small-scale agriculture. Agriculture accounts for 41% of Jaida's funding, followed by commerce at 36%, other sectors at 17%, and crafts at 6%. Notably, 55% of the income-generating activities funded are in rural areas, and 31% are led by women, highlighting Jaida's inclusive approach. The institution has also raised 3 billion dirhams from impact investors and established numerous public and private partnerships. For 2025 alone, Jaida reported outstanding loans of 686 million dirhams and an annual production of 310 million dirhams. In September 2025, Bank Al-Maghrib granted Jaida a new accreditation, expanding its scope to include financing for the social and solidarity economy SSE. This allows Jaida to support aggregators, national and regional funds, and cooperatives, in addition to microfinance institutions. This new direction aligns with the New Development Model and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, focusing on themes like gender, rural development, youth, and the green economy. Jaida is developing a new range of products and technical assistance for SSE actors, with pilot projects expected to launch in 2026 to refine its intervention
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Morocco currently has only 28 forensic doctors nationwide, an insufficient number to meet the demands of the justice system and medico-legal expertise, according to a report by a parliamentary commission. This shortage is highlighted as having significant consequences for the functioning of criminal justice and the protection of fundamental rights in the country.
Morocco's National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water ONEE – Electricity Branch, has initiated geotechnical studies for the "Oued Lakraa – Médiouna" high-voltage direct current HVDC link. This 1,440-kilometer connection, designed for a 3-gigawatt capacity, will link the southern regions to the economic heart of the Kingdom. The studies, managed by ONEE's Directorate of DC Links and International Interconnections, are divided into two phases. The first phase, lasting one month, focuses on the two conversion stations at Oued Lakraa and Médiouna, each spanning approximately 18 hectares. The second phase, lasting four months, covers the transmission corridor itself, split into three sections: Oued Lakraa – Tan-Tan 550 km, Tan-Tan – Marrakech 576 km, and Marrakech – Médiouna 312 km. These investigations will involve soil surveys, including a minimum of ten soundings per conversion station and at least one sounding every five kilometers along the line, to determine geotechnical parameters such as cohesion, internal friction angle, and bulk density. The aim is to identify potential risks like settlement, landslides, scouring, or erosion, and to provide recommendations for future foundation designs. The project requires an experienced technical team, including a geotechnical engineer with at least five years of experience in high-voltage overhead line geotechnical studies and a technical manager with at least three years of experience. This link is crucial for strengthening ele
Must ReadThe Atlas Lions' journey in the 2026 World Cup concluded after a 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-finals at Boston Stadium. Despite the loss, their performance left a significant mark on Moroccan football history, showcasing their resilience and ability to compete with top international teams. Coached by Mohammed Ouahbi, the team maintained a strong defensive stance against France, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making crucial saves, including a penalty from Kylian Mbappé in the 28th minute and another stop against Désiré Doué. Morocco also demonstrated offensive intent, with combinations from Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and Azzedine Ounahi. Although they increased their offensive pressure in the second half, France eventually took control, with Mbappé scoring in the 60th minute and Ousmane Dembélé adding a second goal six minutes later. This defeat ended Morocco's World Cup campaign, but their achievements, including advancing past the group stage and eliminating the Netherlands and Canada to reach the quarter-finals, highlight their consistent competitiveness at the highest level. This performance, four years after their historic run in Qatar, reinforces Morocco's position among the world's elite football nations and fuels future ambitions. France will proceed to the semi-finals to face the winner of the match between Belgium and Spain.