🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Portugal and Morocco must collaborate on food security, says José Manuel Fernandes
via Le Matin5 min read
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
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Abdellatif Jouahri, Wali of Bank Al-Maghrib, is advocating for economic performance to serve as a key driver for improving the living conditions of Moroccans. Citing a 4.9% growth in 2025, controlled inflation, and robust public finances, Jouahri believes that Morocco possesses a strong foundation to expedite necessary reforms.
Morocco is actively promoting its aerospace industry, aiming to attract high-value-added investments and solidify its position as a leading aeronautical platform. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development AMDIE showcased the country's mature ecosystem at a British exhibition, highlighting its integrated industry, skilled workforce, and competitive offerings for international clients. Ali Seddiki, AMDIE's Director General, stated that Morocco's participation marks a new phase in its industrial development, driven by the King's impetus, which has transformed the aerospace ecosystem. The country seeks to present new investment opportunities, particularly in aircraft engines and landing gear, to international manufacturers. Seddiki noted that Morocco has built a quality aerospace ecosystem over nearly two decades and is now entering a new era focusing on these high-value areas. He emphasized Morocco's role in the global aerospace sector, especially during challenging times for major manufacturers, by creating significant added value. The Moroccan aerospace sector is experiencing rapid growth, with annual revenue increases exceeding 20% and nearly 160 international companies established in the country. New industrial ecosystems, such as those around Safran's LEAP engine and landing gear, are fostering deeper industrial integration. Maria El Filali, Director General of the Moroccan Aerospace Ind
Bank Al-Maghrib's 2025 annual report emphasizes the need for more precise targeting of public aid in Morocco to balance social justice and public finance sustainability. The central bank notes significant disparities in living standards, with the wealthiest 20% of households spending over seven times more than the poorest 20%, and considerable gaps between urban and rural areas. The report highlights that universal subsidy mechanisms, such as the 18 billion dirhams spent on compensation in 2025, often benefit wealthier households due to their higher consumption levels. Similarly, the effectiveness of over 32 billion dirhams in tax expenditures, while sometimes having economic or social objectives, requires regular evaluation. Bank Al-Maghrib argues that improving aid targeting is not about reducing solidarity efforts but about optimizing public resources to primarily benefit those most in need. This approach is crucial as public spending is expected to rise due to expanded social protection, public service development, and upcoming reforms like pensions. The bank stresses the importance of preserving budgetary margins, as some exceptional revenues supporting public finances in recent years may not be sustainable. The report recommends general public expenditure reviews and systematic policy evaluations to optimize resource use, ensuring sustainable funding for social priorities without compromising budget stability. Ultimately, Bank Al-Maghrib supports Morocco's commitment to