Super El Niño: assessing the risk of drought in Morocco
via Le Matin2 min read
International organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization, indicate a probable transition to an El Niño climate system between May and July 2026. This phenomenon is known for its role in global climate variability. Strong "Super" El Niño events are typically linked to warmer global temperatures and an increased likelihood of temperature records. During El Niño phases, surface waters in the equatorial Pacific release more heat into the atmosphere, contributing to global temperature increases. However, the effects of El Niño are not uniform across all regions. In Morocco, its influence is partial, indirect, and highly seasonal. It primarily affects southern arid regions like Laâyoune, Dakhla, and Ouarzazate, with less impact in the North and Center. This influence is more noticeable in spring. In winter, when precipitation is crucial, other climatic mechanisms, particularly atmospheric oscillations linked to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean basin, become more dominant. Specialists emphasize that El Niño never acts in isolation; it interacts with other climate systems that can modify or counteract its effects. The diverse configurations of El Niño also lead to varying impacts depending on whether it develops in the eastern or central Pacific. Recent observations highlight this complexity: Morocco experienced significant droughts between 2020 and 2024 despite La Niña conditions, which are generally associated with wetter years. This demonstrates the limitat
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Moroccan universities have trained 861,490 students in languages and digital skills, exceeding the 2029 target by nearly 33%, according to a World Bank monitoring report. This progress is part of a higher education reform initiated in 2024, aiming to bridge the gap between academic training and labor market demands. Historically, recruiters cited deficiencies in foreign languages, digital tools, and transversal skills like communication and teamwork among graduates. The reform integrates modules on languages, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and behavioral skills into public university curricula. It also includes a restructuring of the student journey from orientation to professional integration, with the national platform CursusSup centralizing orientation and pre-registration. A national strategy for graduate tracking is also being implemented to assess employability and adapt training to economic sector needs. The number of graduates in education and digital fields increased from 2,400 at the program's start to 17,000, with a target of 55,000 by 2029. While official language and digital skill certifications were not yet issued at the time of evaluation, and some mechanisms like effective graduate employability tracking are still being implemented, the World Bank notes an encouraging dynamic towards an evolving university system better responding to economic and technological changes.
Must ReadMorocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and Portugal's Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, announced their countries' intention to relaunch an electrical interconnection project. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs and improve affordability for citizens and economic sectors in both nations. The two parties agreed to pursue European funding and explore private sector participation. Lisbon and Rabat plan to ask the European Commission to classify the project as a Project of Common Interest PCI, which would enable it to access European financing mechanisms. They will present the project to Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a clean, just, and competitive transition, to assess EU interest in prioritizing it. The ministers believe a new electrical interconnection between Europe and Africa would enhance energy security and strengthen cooperation between the continents. Morocco and Portugal will consult with the European Commission to gauge its support and recognition of the project as strategically European. Concurrently, they will seek funding from the "Connecting Europe" mechanism and invite private investors, including electricity grid managers and utility companies, to express interest. The Portuguese minister emphasized achieving the project at the lowest possible cost to avoid additional burdens on taxpayers or energy consumers. However, the specific technical soluti
Romania's President, Nicușor Dan, sent a message to King Mohammed VI, stating that "genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty can constitute a viable solution." The message, conveyed by Dacian Ciolos, Advisor to the Romanian President and former Prime Minister, to Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, also indicated that Romania considers the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 to be the most appropriate, serious, credible, and realistic basis for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution. This position follows a thorough analysis of developments in the Sahara issue, which is of major interest to Morocco. President Dan noted that Romania was among the first states to support Morocco on the Sahara question and praised the King's efforts in 2022. He added that Romania believes the current context provides the necessary framework for its national position to evolve, aligning with its European and global commitments. This stance by Romania is part of an international dynamic, initiated by King Mohammed VI, supporting Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan, with approximately thirty European countries, including 24 EU members, and over two-thirds of UN member states actively participating.