
Pratt & Whitney Canada officially opened its new production facility in the Midparc industrial zone in Nouaceur on April 21. This strategic investment, valued at $76 million, spans nearly 12,000 square meters for production within a total site of over 27,000 square meters. The plant will manufacture complex static and structural components for engine families including the PT6, PW500, PW300, and GTF series. This move aims to strengthen Pratt & Whitney's global supply chain and meet increasing demand for aircraft engines. The facility incorporates advanced machining equipment, digital systems, and lean manufacturing principles. The project currently employs nearly 80 people, with a goal of approximately 200 by 2030, supported by technical training programs to develop local skills. The choice of Morocco was based on its competitive environment, access to skilled talent, and developing industrial ecosystem. RTX, Pratt & Whitney's parent company, already has a presence in Morocco through Collins Aerospace since 2012, and this new plant further expands its local footprint. The company views this as a strategic extension of its global industrial network and a means to build more resilient supply chains, contributing to local economic development.
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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

A Francophone gala was held on Friday as part of the first Marrakech Comedy Festival, celebrating an evening of artistic exchange, audience engagement, and cultural outreach. The event featured a program uniting various contemporary Francophone comedic styles. Hosted by French comedian Malik Bentalha, the festival underscored Marrakech's role in hosting cultural events open to both Moroccan and international audiences, while also providing a platform for Francophone artists with diverse and complementary writing styles.