🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Moroccan dairy sector shifts from resilience to recovery after drought and crises
via Le Matin6 min read
The Moroccan dairy sector is experiencing a growth trajectory following exceptional rainfall this year, which has positively impacted the national dairy ecosystem. Mohammed Raïta, Director General, and Rachid Khattate, President of Maroc Lait, described the current campaign as exceptional due to the return of rains. This marks a break from water stress and inflationary pressures on agricultural inputs. While the abundance of pastures provides almost free fodder, the sector faces a significant reduction in livestock, having lost nearly 30% of its herd during drought years. Dairy production has increased by about 5% this year, with further improvements expected next year through fodder storage. The 2023 contract-program with the state has seen mixed results. Initial objectives were not met due to exogenous crises like prolonged drought, input inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and restrictions on heifer exports. However, the sector demonstrated resilience, with farmers remaining active and the market continuously supplied. Structural advancements in training, regional support units, financial aid for farmers, and digitalization were also achieved. To rebuild the herd, Maroc Lait is focusing on three strategies: importing to compensate for natural losses, developing local nurseries for heifer production, and increasing artificial insemination, particularly with sexed semen. The sector is also transforming its production model to enhance resilience, including f
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The Moroccan national football team played to a 1-1 draw against Norway in a friendly match held on Sunday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey. National coach Mohamed Ouahbi's lineup featured Diop and Raid in central defense, with Hakimi on the right and Mazraoui on the left. Hakimi was replaced in the 29th minute by Belamri due to an injury. The midfield included Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, and Ounahi, while Saibari played as a false nine, supported by Diaz and Ezzalzouli. Brahim Diaz opened the scoring for Morocco in the 7th minute. Norway equalized in the 75th minute with a goal from captain Ødegaard. This match was the Atlas Lions' final friendly before their World Cup opener against Brazil on June 13. Morocco is in Group C, alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
The first Marrakech Comedy Festival concluded after three days of performances, laughter, and interactions, confirming the Moroccan public's enthusiasm for comedy. Held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, the event brought together Moroccan and Francophone comedians to establish a new cultural event dedicated to comedy in the city. The opening night, directed by comedian Eko, featured an Arabophone gala that was sold out and immersed the audience in a world blending Moroccan traditions, self-deprecation, and social commentary. The show highlighted a new generation of Moroccan comedians while celebrating popular local figures, with a stage design inspired by Jamaa El Fna square. Eko, dressed as a "guerrab" and accompanied by the Bola Bola Dekka Marrakchia troupe and DJ Red Supa, launched the evening with a mix of music, humor, and Moroccan cultural references. He introduced artists like Amine Belghazi, Soufiane Figuigui, Ghita Kitane, Seifeddine Settif, Marouane Nbalsi, Ahmed Boudrouze, and Azzedine Fetouhi, each presenting their unique styles. A highlight was the appearance of Franco-Moroccan comedian Malik Bentalha, who shared segments with Eko, incorporating references to Moroccan culture. Organizers noted that the opening night exceeded expectations, with tickets selling out weeks in advance. Karim Debbouze, producer and co-founder of the festival with Malik Bentalha, stated that this successful launch is a significant step in establishing a long-term event. The festiv
Must ReadRachid Yazami, a world-renowned Moroccan electrochemist and inventor of the graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries, believes Morocco has significant advantages to become a major player in the global electric battery industry. Speaking from Singapore, Yazami highlighted Morocco's phosphate reserves, strategic geographical location, free trade agreements, established automotive industry, and skilled workforce as key assets. He emphasized that the global energy transition is a strategic necessity, driven by rising fossil fuel costs and geopolitical tensions, making countries capable of producing and storing energy better equipped for future shocks. Yazami sees the rise of LFP lithium, iron, phosphate battery technology as a major opportunity for Morocco, provided the country moves beyond raw material export to industrial transformation. He cited the upcoming gigafactory in Kenitra, a joint venture with Gotion High-Tech, as a historic turning point, fulfilling his 2014 prediction for a Moroccan lithium-ion battery plant. This factory, the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, could establish a new industrial sector for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Yazami stressed the critical importance of quality in battery production to compete with global leaders like China, Korea, and Japan. He expressed confidence in Moroccan engineers and technicians, foreseeing the development of fully Moroccan-owned gigafactories by 2032. Geopolitically, Morocco's strategic