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Maroc Telecom presents digital solutions for smart agriculture at SIAM 2026
via Le Matin3 min read
Maroc Telecom is showcasing innovative digital solutions for the agricultural sector at SIAM 2026 in Meknes. The company aims to support farmers in addressing climate-related challenges, managing resources, and improving overall performance within the industry.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Must ReadEconomist Ahmed Khalid Benomar states that the Middle East conflict presents a significant, enduring challenge to global economies, moving beyond immediate effects to question their ability to withstand external crises without destabilizing internal balances. Speaking on "L'Info en Face," Benomar noted that there are no ideal solutions to the conflict's instability, only less unfavorable ones aimed at limiting damage. He explained that the war is not merely an additional tension but fundamentally redefines macroeconomic forecasts and undermines economic benchmarks established before the conflict. Benomar suggests that the impact, particularly on energy, inputs, logistical costs, and economic expectations, is becoming more pronounced, with April potentially being more challenging than March. He believes Morocco faces this period with real exposure but also with solid foundations. These foundations include a clear strategic vision, guided by a new development model and long-term planning, which he considers a luxury in an uncertain environment. He emphasizes that ongoing reforms, especially concerning the social state, strengthen the Kingdom. Morocco's macroeconomic base remains robust, with growth forecasts around 5% for 2025 and 2026, and a significant drop in inflation to -0.6% in February 2026. Sectoral data also shows positive trends: 4.1% growth in manufacturing, 7% in mining, and approximately 20% in tourist arrivals. While these figures do not guarantee immunity, they i
José Manuel Fernandes, representing Portugal as the guest of honor at the 18th SIAM, emphasized the importance of cooperation between Portugal and Morocco to address food security challenges. He highlighted that Lisbon is the closest European capital to Rabat and views the Atlantic Ocean as a bridge connecting the two friendly nations. Fernandes stated that ensuring accessible food for all is a central objective of this cooperation. He described Portugal's agricultural model as diverse, with small family farms in the north and larger structures in the south, a model they embrace due to regional specificities. The country aims to enhance productivity and competitiveness across all regions. Portugal has launched a 5.4 billion euro project, "Water that Unites," by 2030, to improve national water management for human consumption, agriculture, ecosystems, and flood prevention. Fernandes noted that Portuguese agriculture prioritizes value over volume, particularly in olive oil, wine, and fruits, to ensure satisfactory farmer incomes. He acknowledged the role of the Common Agricultural Policy CAP in supporting farmers and citizens, with over 40% of its funding directed towards climate objectives. Portugal is the tenth-largest wine producer globally, benefiting from regional diversity and unique products like Vinho Verde and Port. Significant investments, such as the 2.5 billion euro Alqueva project, have boosted olive oil productivity, generating over 330 million euros in annual tax
Must ReadThe United Nations Population Fund UNFPA presented a white paper on April 21, 2026, titled "The nexus of artificial and natural intelligences as a catalyst for positive social change, economic development, and planetary health in Morocco." Co-authored by Cornelia C. Walther and Aawatif Hayar, the document explores how Morocco can transform global technological disruption into a sovereign and inclusive opportunity. The white paper advocates for "prosocial AI," which integrates equity, dignity, and sustainability from its conception, moving beyond a market-driven approach or excessive caution. It emphasizes that intelligence is hybrid, stemming from the interaction of technology, human capital, and cultural contexts. Morocco is seen as a potential laboratory for this model, given its social, territorial, and economic dynamics. The document aligns with Morocco's new development model and social state project, focusing on reducing inequalities and valuing human capital. It identifies data governance, usage regulation, and hybrid skills training as crucial areas, warning against an "algorithmic divide" that could exacerbate inequalities for vulnerable populations. Marielle Sander, UNFPA representative in Morocco, highlighted the country's sustained reform dynamics and strategic vision as reasons for its selection as a pilot country for prosocial AI. She noted that the initiative aligns with Moroccan national priorities, focusing on human rights and ensuring AI benefits reach vulne
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