🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Stellantis launches Fiat Fastback and Grizzly production in Kénitra, Morocco
via Le Matin3 min read
Stellantis officially launched the production of the Fiat Fastback and Grizzly models at its Kénitra plant in Morocco on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. These new vehicles represent a new generation of cars assembled in Morocco, as they are the first locally manufactured models to utilize the Smart Car platform. This architecture is designed to accommodate various motorizations and will be deployed across different markets in the Africa and Middle East region. The Fastback, a dynamic SUV coupe-inspired model, and the Grizzly, which emphasizes space and modularity for families, will both be offered with thermal, hybrid, and electric powertrains, depending on the specific markets. Their commercial launch is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The decision to produce these vehicles in Kénitra underscores the Moroccan site's growing importance in Stellantis's industrial strategy. The plant is evolving beyond compact vehicle assembly to become a global platform for future group models. The Kénitra complex now integrates vehicle assembly, engine production, and micromobility activities, making it one of Stellantis's most comprehensive industrial hubs in the region. This expansion is supported by a progressive strengthening of the local ecosystem, with Stellantis aiming for a 75% integration rate by 2030 through an expanded network of Moroccan suppliers and new industrial partners. For Stellantis, this initiative aims to shorten supply chains, enhance industrial competitiv
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Jorge Vilda has unveiled the 26-player squad for the Atlas Lionesses ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026, which Morocco will host. The team aims to secure their first continental title after reaching two consecutive finals. Key players like captain Ghizlane Chebbak, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, Fatima Tagnaout, Ibtissam Jraidi, and Najat Badri are included. This edition marks the third consecutive time Morocco has hosted the tournament, and it will feature an expanded format of 16 teams, up from 12 in previous editions. Morocco is in Group A, alongside Senegal, Algeria, and Kenya. Having been finalists in 2022 against South Africa and in 2025 against Nigeria, the Atlas Lionesses are determined to win the title on home soil. The full squad includes goalkeepers Khadija Er-Rmichi, Inès Arouaissa, and Fatima-Zahra El Jebraoui; defenders Hanane Aït El Haj, Zineb Redouani, Aziza Rabbah, Siham Boukhami, Rania Boutiebi, Nouhaila Benzina, Meryem Atiq, and Nesryne El Chad; midfielders Ghizlane Chebbak, Najat Badri, Élodie Nakkach, Yasmine M’Rabet, Soumia Hady, and Hajar Saïd; and forwards Fatima Tagnaout, Ibtissam Jraidi, Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui, Imane Saoud, Kenza Chapelle, Jade Nassi, Kautar Azraf, and Chaimaa Mourtaji.
Morocco has been selected to host the 5th edition of the African Slam Poetry Cup CASP in 2027. The organizing committee officially announced the decision after evaluating applications from various candidate countries. This selection recognizes the efforts of the SLAM'AROC Association in promoting slam poetry and cultural exchange across Africa. The CASP organizing committee, along with jury members, has been reviewing applications since January 2025. The SLAM'AROC Association has been involved with the African Slam Poetry Cup network since 2018, working to foster artistic exchange, facilitate artist mobility, and establish slam as a platform for dialogue among African peoples. The African Slam Poetry Cup is a significant event for slam poetry on the continent, bringing together artists from numerous African countries for competitions, performances, workshops, professional meetings, and cultural activities for diverse audiences. The 2027 edition will be organized by SLAM'AROC in collaboration with the Koun Aktif Association. Organizers aim to create a major cultural event showcasing the diversity of African artistic expressions, celebrating dialogue between languages, cultures, narratives, and poetry. Slam is presented as a tool for creation, transmission, citizenship, and fostering connections between people. The CASP president emphasized that the competition aligns with a pan-African approach focused on cooperation and synergy of African artistic talents, aiming to enhance t
Must ReadUganda has initiated a project for a single travel permit for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations CAN, allowing free movement within the three host countries without separate visas. This measure aims to simplify cross-border travel and boost tourism in the region before, during, and after the competition. The 2027 CAN, themed "Pamoja" together in Swahili, marks a first for East Africa. The Confederation of African Football CAF estimates over 1.5 million traveling supporters and a global television audience of nearly 3.2 billion viewers. The "CAN visa" project draws inspiration from the East African tourist visa launched in 2014 by Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, which is valid for 90 days and costs $100. Authorities plan to temporarily extend this model to the three 2027 CAN host countries, testing a mechanism that could inform a future regional free movement policy within the East African Community EAC. The three co-organizers have until December 31, 2026, to complete stadium and transport infrastructure modernization.