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Sanlam-Allianz merger creates a more useful insurer, not just a larger one, says Yahia Chraibi
via Le Matin5 min read
The merger of Sanlam Maroc and Allianz Maroc marks a new phase for Morocco's insurance sector, according to Yahia Chraibi, General Manager of Sanlam Maroc. He stated that the merger was a deliberate choice, not a constraint, aimed at creating a more effective entity. Both companies have a long history in Morocco, with Sanlam Maroc having 77 years and Allianz Maroc 75 years, contributing significant technical expertise and market knowledge. Sanlam Maroc is known for innovation and customer proximity, while Allianz Maroc excels in corporate technical risks and life insurance products. The merger seeks to combine the strengths of both. This integration addresses the rapidly evolving needs of individuals and businesses, driven by infrastructure projects, economic changes, and new risks. Chraibi emphasized that the combined entity will enhance service quality, accelerate innovation, and strengthen client support, aiming to be "not only larger, but above all more useful." The new entity now boasts over 753 agencies, covering 237 cities and 230 rural localities, making it Morocco's largest insurance network. Financially, based on 2025 data, Sanlam Maroc holds a 14% overall market share with over 8 billion dirhams in premiums, and nearly 23% in non-life insurance, maintaining its leadership. It also becomes the second-largest player in corporate risks and retains its second position in health insurance, covering nearly six million policyholders. The merger is supported by the interna
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The United Nations cites Morocco among new destinations attracting international investment in electric vehicles, alongside Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, as global production chains diversify geographically. According to a report, Morocco's entry into electric vehicle battery manufacturing is due to a two-decade industrial strategy, not just ad hoc incentives. The UNCTAD notes that the National Pact for Industrial Emergence, the Industrial Acceleration Plan, and the 2022 Investment Charter have developed an export-oriented automotive platform, supported by industrial zones, free zone incentives, a supplier network, and specialized training. These policies fostered the industrial capacity and skills that accelerated the 2024 gigafactory project for batteries in the Rabat-Sal茅-K茅nitra region. This project represents an initial investment of approximately 1.3 billion dollars, potentially reaching 6.5 billion dollars, with capacity increasing from 20 to 100 GWh, reflecting Morocco's ambition to transition from automotive assembly to battery cell production. UNCTAD also emphasizes Morocco's emergence as a clean technology production hub, benefiting from global supply chain reorganization and investments from international groups, particularly Chinese, in batteries and electric vehicles. In terms of foreign direct investment FDI flows, UNCTAD reports that Morocco attracted 3.338 billion dollars in FDI in 2025, up from 1.748 billion dollars in 2024, with the stock of in
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, staged a dramatic comeback in their World Cup round of 16 match against Egypt in Atlanta, Georgia. Trailing 2-0 in the final quarter-hour, Argentina secured a 3-2 victory. Yasser Ibrahim scored for Egypt in the 15th minute, followed by Mostafa Ziko in the 62nd minute. Argentina began their rally with Cristiano Romero scoring in the 79th minute, assisted by Messi. Messi then equalized with a half-volley in the 83rd minute. Enzo Fernandez sealed the win in the 90th minute plus two, heading in a cross from Lautaro Martinez. This victory propels Argentina into the quarterfinals, where they will face either Switzerland or Colombia.
The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water ONEE has issued an international call for tenders for the El Menzel Pumped-Storage Energy Transfer Station STEP. Located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Sefrou in the F猫s-Mekn猫s region, this project aligns with the national energy strategy. The turnkey contract covers execution studies, equipment supply, construction, installation, and commissioning. Pumped-storage plants are crucial for balancing electricity supply and demand, especially with the growth of renewable energy. This technology stores energy by transferring water between two basins at different levels, releasing it during peak consumption to stabilize the grid. The El Menzel project will enhance Morocco's hydraulic energy storage capacity, complementing existing STEPs like Afourer 464 MW and Abdelmoumen 350 MW, and the future Ifahsa STEP 300 MW. This infrastructure portfolio supports the integration of renewable energies and strengthens the Moroccan electrical system's resilience. The project is expected to be completed within 48 months, funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The deadline for bids is September 30, 2026. This tender is a significant step for ONEE in developing national electricity storage and flexibility infrastructure, reinforcing its role in ensuring supply security, energy sovereignty, and sustainable development for the Kingdom.