Laâyoune prepares for African Economic Development Forum
via Le Matin2 min read
Laâyoune is set to host the African Economic Development Forum for the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region in July 2026. Organized by the region's Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, this event, part of the Atlantic Initiative, will gather approximately 650 participants from Arab and African countries. Attendees will include business leaders, representatives of chambers of commerce, investors, and professionals from strategic sectors. The Forum aims to be a platform for discussion and exchange on strategic and sustainable partnerships, highlighting investment opportunities in high-growth sectors such as renewable energies, infrastructure, and new technologies. The objective is to foster win-win partnerships between investors from the African continent and the Arab world, positioning the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region as a key hub for exchanges. With its vast territory, exceptional sunshine, prime wind potential, and direct access to the Atlantic coast, the region possesses the natural and logistical conditions to become a major center for green hydrogen and renewable energy production and export. Developing infrastructure, including ports and transport networks, further enhances the region's appeal to national and international investors, with an ambition to become a leading international energy hub. The Chamber of Commerce plays a central role in regional economic support, raising awareness of investment opportunities, organizing economic meetings and training workshops,
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Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed, assisted by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi and Mustapha Akerkad, has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the World Cup 2026 group stage match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. South African Tom Abongile will serve as the fourth official, assisted by Zakhele Siwela. This marks the second assignment for the Moroccan trio, who previously officiated the Germany vs. Curaçao match. Portugal drew their first match against the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-1, while Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia. The upcoming match is crucial for both Portugal and Uzbekistan's qualification hopes. Notably, an Uzbek referee, Ilgiz Tantashov, recently officiated a match involving Morocco's Atlas Lions against Scotland.
Following Morocco's 1-0 victory over Scotland, coach Mohamed Ouahbi assessed the team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, where they have accumulated four points from two matches against Brazil and Scotland. Ouahbi highlighted the team's collective control and improved offensive intentions compared to their draw against Brazil. He noted that while Scotland played more directly with long balls, Morocco effectively countered their strategy. Despite their strong position, Ouahbi emphasized that qualification is not yet secured and the team's objective is to defeat Haiti in the final group match to ensure qualification and potentially secure first place. He also stated that he would field the best possible team against Haiti, considering player freshness, opponent profile, and match context, rather than systematically rotating the squad. Ouahbi also publicly supported captain Achraf Hakimi, who is facing legal proceedings, stating that Hakimi was focused, motivated the team, and played an excellent match. Ouahbi praised the team's mental fortitude and expressed confidence in their ability to advance to the round of sixteen as group leaders.
Bank Al-Maghrib has issued a warning to all banks regarding a global surge in cybercrime campaigns exploiting public interest in the 2026 World Cup. The central bank notes that these threats include the distribution of malware via fake applications or match streaming platforms, as well as phishing campaigns designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials and banking details. Bank Al-Maghrib urges banks to enhance customer awareness efforts and emphasize key vigilance rules. These include exercising caution before installing match-streaming applications, avoiding links received via email, SMS, or social media that offer broadcasts or promotional deals, verifying website authenticity before entering personal or banking data, and immediately reporting any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to the bank. The central bank also instructs banking institutions to relay these vigilance messages to their customers through appropriate communication channels.