Morocco to invest $1.8 billion in urban transport upgrades
via Le Matin2 min read
Morocco and the World Bank are collaborating on a comprehensive urban mobility program for the country's primary and secondary cities, with a total investment of $1.8 billion. The World Bank is currently mobilizing $350.88 million for this initiative. The program aims to enhance the quality and coverage of urban mobility, strengthen urban transport institutions, and improve residents' access to employment and services. Key components include expanding access to quality bus services through a new fleet and associated equipment for ticketing and fleet management, which will increase service frequency and geographical coverage. It also involves modernizing traffic management systems and introducing electronic ticketing and fare integration. Another focus is the development of urban mobility corridors, particularly through Bus Rapid Transit BRT infrastructure, to improve travel speed, frequency, reliability, convenience, and safety, while reducing user costs. Planned projects for 2025-2030 include four BRT lines in the Rabat agglomeration, one in Tangier, and another in Marrakech, with additional BRT and suburban rail systems identified for medium-term development. The program also strengthens sector institutions by building central and local capacities, establishing urban mobility agencies, developing mobility plans, and improving financing mechanisms. This initiative addresses Morocco's rapid urbanization, where over 60% of the population lives in urban areas, a figure projecte
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Morocco has significantly increased its presence in the European frozen red fruit market, with frozen raspberry imports by the Netherlands from Morocco reaching a record 1,000 tons in 2025, valued at over two million euros. This represents a 50% increase from 2024 and is four times the volume imported in 2023. The Netherlands' total frozen raspberry imports reached approximately 13,500 tons in 2025, a 21% increase year-on-year, and more than double the levels seen in 2023. The Netherlands acts as a major logistical hub, re-exporting 60-70% of imported volumes after conditioning or rebranding. Poland remains the dominant supplier, accounting for about 32% of volumes, followed by Germany, Chile, and Serbia. Morocco has entered the top five exporters for the first time, with an estimated 7.4% share, up from 5.5% in 2024. This growth is attributed to the Moroccan red fruit sector's industrial transformation, with operators strengthening processing and export capacities and aligning with international standards like Global G.A.P. and BRC. Dutch stakeholders have noted a significant improvement in the sorting and cleaning quality of Moroccan products, now considered comparable to European standards.
Must ReadThe White House is reviewing a new Iranian proposal, described by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as "better than we thought," though he emphasized the need for any agreement to permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran's Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Reza Talaei-Nik, stated that the United States is no longer in a position to dictate policy to independent nations. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, called for "credible guarantees" against future US-Israeli aggression to ensure stability in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed four people, including a woman, and injured 51, despite a ceasefire. The Israeli army also ordered the evacuation of 17 villages in southern Lebanon. The head of Israel's Mossad, David Barnea, lauded "revolutionary" operations in Iran and Lebanon, claiming strategic and tactical intelligence gains. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, warned against a "frozen conflict" in the Gulf, expressing concern about renewed hostilities. In Bahrain, five individuals received life sentences for collaborating with Iran on "terrorist acts." In economic news, a fully loaded liquefied natural gas LNG vessel, the Mubaraz, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since early March, and oil prices rose, with WTI at $97.77 and Brent at $109.72. Iran's foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, told Vladimir Putin that the world now recognizes Iran's strength. The d
Parkinson's disease in Morocco is a progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. While classic symptoms like tremors and muscle rigidity appear late, earlier subtle signs include loss of smell, sleep disturbances, persistent fatigue, constipation, and mood changes. Diagnosis in Morocco is often delayed until motor symptoms are advanced, and access to specialized care is uneven, particularly outside major urban centers, due to a limited number of specialists and treatment costs. A notable characteristic in Morocco is the high frequency of genetic forms of the disease, often appearing earlier and affecting multiple family members. North Africa, especially Morocco, shows a high prevalence of the "LRRK2 G2019S" genetic mutation, which is significant globally for Parkinson's. This genetic specificity offers a scientific opportunity to understand disease mechanisms and develop targeted treatments. Diagnosis remains complex as it relies on clinical examination, and early, non-specific signs can be mistaken for other conditions or normal aging. The absence of a simple, reliable biological test contributes to late diagnoses. Current research on biological, genetic, and imaging biomarkers, such as alpha-synuclein and specific genetic mutations, is promising for earlier and more precise diagnosis, leading to personalized medicine. Current treatments primarily aim to compensate for dopamine deficiency, with L-DOPA being the standard, but they
Adidas has introduced a new collection of 2026 FIFA World Cup home jerseys designed for pets, including dogs and cats. This marks the first time the sportswear brand has adapted national team kits for animals. The collection will be available in North America, Latin America, and several Asian markets, featuring home kits for teams such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Japan. The pet jerseys incorporate the same graphic designs as the human versions for the 2026 World Cup. Adidas focused on detailed finishes and comfort in the design, including heat-sealed federation crests and brand logos. The cuts are adapted to fit various pet body types. The Adidas FIFA World Cup 2026 pet collection will be available starting May 1st in select stores, retail outlets, and online.