50 articles published on Baobab Pulse

Mr. Akhannouch, representing King Mohammed VI, offered condolences to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, following the death of his father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. During an audience at Lusail Palace, Mr. Akhannouch delivered a message of condolences and sympathy from the King. The Emir of Qatar expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI and highlighted the strong personal ties and solid relations between Qatar and Morocco. The Moroccan delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and His Majesty the King's Ambassador to Qatar, Mr. Mohamed Setri. In his message, King Mohammed VI conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss and extended his sincerest condolences to His Highness, the princely family, and the Qatari people.

The Authenticity and Modernity Party PAM is preparing for the 2026 elections by strategically positioning women candidates in local constituencies. Samir Goudar, a member of PAM's political bureau and president of the Organization division, stated that the party will present six women candidates in six local constituencies. He also highlighted that three women elected in 2021 from regional lists will now run in local lists, leveraging their legislative experience from the 2021-2026 term. This move signals that regional lists are now seen as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. Key candidates include Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, PAM's national coordinator and president of the National Elections Commission, who will run in Sidi Youssef Ben Ali in Marrakech. Najwa Koukous, president of the national council, will be a candidate in Anfa, Casablanca. Bouchra Alwardi will run in Rommani, Khémisset province, while incumbent parliamentarian Imane Lamoui retains her candidacy for Ouarzazate. Ouiam Mhirchi was designated for Ouezzane, and Manal Badil, president of the Berrechid commune, is also among the local candidates. In parallel, PAM has reformed the process for designating candidates for regional women's lists, opening it to all female activists. An open call for applications for regional constituencies for the 2026 legislative elections was announced via the party's official electronic platform from June 22 to 28. A specialized commission will review applications and condu

The 14th congress of the Istiqlalian Youth, held under the theme "Empowerment now, towards a new social contract," focused on redefining the role, achievements, and limitations of the Istiqlal Youth organization. Nizar Baraka, Secretary General of the Istiqlal Party, urged the organization to critically assess its journey and adapt to societal changes. A national survey initiated on January 11, 2025, involving over 15,000 young people, revealed a disconnect between youth and political parties. Baraka emphasized the importance of youth engagement, stating, "We do not want a youth that remains a spectator of what is happening around it. We want a youth conscious of its responsibility towards the homeland, convinced that it can change the realities it experiences in its country." The survey results informed a roadmap for the party, prioritizing access to employment, healthcare, education, training, reducing regional inequalities, developing digital and AI skills, supporting youth initiatives, and increasing youth participation in public decision-making. Baraka highlighted that Moroccan youth possess competence, patriotism, and ambition, requiring genuine opportunities to contribute. He advocated for political and institutional action as the sole path to change, urging youth to engage with parties, institutions, and public decision-making bodies. Beyond youth issues, Baraka outlined five commitments adopted by the national council: protecting family and Moroccan values, defending

With less than two months until the 2026 legislative elections, Morocco's political landscape is at a decisive juncture. Azzedine Hannoun, a professor of public law at Ibn Tofaïl University, suggests that continuity is more likely than a complete break from the political cycle established in 2021, despite several uncertainties. The outgoing governmental majority faces concerns over purchasing power, inflation, and social expectations, but these issues may not necessarily translate into an electoral defeat. The functioning of the Moroccan party system, the influence of local strongholds, and the mobilization capabilities of major parties continue to shape election outcomes. The National Rally of Independents RNI is expected to remain a frontrunner due to its territorial organization and network of elected officials, which could help it mitigate the wear and tear of being in power. In contrast, the Authenticity and Modernity Party PAM, another key member of the majority, appears to be in a more vulnerable position, potentially seeing its relative influence diminish. The Istiqlal Party is seen as the most credible contender for leadership of the next majority, provided it can convert its historical capital and territorial presence into electoral momentum. The Justice and Development Party PJD might regain some of the electorate lost in 2021, but is unlikely to return to its previous performance levels of 2011 and 2016. Hannoun believes a partial recomposition of the government c
BreakingFormer US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to reinstate a naval blockade on Iranian ports, stating it will prevent ships or clients of Iran from entering or exiting, while other countries will have free access to the strait. He also announced a new 20% tax on goods transported by ship through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, on his Truth Social platform, stated that the United States would be known as the "Guardians of the Strait of Hormuz" and would collect this remuneration, equivalent to 20% of cargo value, to cover the costs of ensuring safety and security in the unstable region. He indicated that the implementation of these measures would begin immediately.

Royal Air Maroc will deploy nearly 8.2 million seats during summer 2026, marking a 23% increase year-on-year. The national airline will connect Morocco to 86 international destinations using a modernized fleet of 67 aircraft.

Bank Al-Maghrib BAM and the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests signed a partnership agreement in Rabat. The agreement, signed by Bank Al-Maghrib Wali Abdellatif Jouahri and Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari, aims to formalize data, information, and study exchanges between the two institutions. This collaboration will enhance economic statistics and forecasts for the agriculture, maritime fisheries, and water and forests sectors. The partnership also includes joint studies and research on common interest themes to support decision-making and public policy development. Additionally, it features a component for skills development, with training programs in statistics, economic analysis, and foresight for employees of both institutions.

Following two consecutive World Cup quarter-final qualifications, Morocco is evaluating its performance to solidify its position among top national teams. Speaking to Al Arabiya, Mustapha Hadji praised the work of Mohamed Ouahbi's players but highlighted a key area for future improvement: a stronger bench. The former Atlas Lions midfielder noted that many players experienced the high demands of a World Cup for the first time, emphasizing that the tournament differs significantly from other competitions like the Champions League in terms of pace, pressure, and intensity. Hadji believes that squad depth is crucial for Morocco to advance further against major football nations. He stressed that strengthening the bench is essential to compete with teams like France. Eliminated just before the semi-finals, the Atlas Lions have a strong foundation, and the former African Ballon d'Or winner advocates for expanding the pool of international players to ensure Morocco continues to contend with the world's best teams in upcoming major tournaments.

Mastercard has launched Priceless Africa, a platform that allows cardholders to access unique travel experiences across the continent, with Morocco now included. These experiences are categorized by passion points such as culture, gastronomy, nature, wildlife, and adventure, enabling travelers to explore their interests safely and easily. Mastercard also offers travel benefits including hotel and flight discounts, airport lounge access, and seamless booking on major travel platforms, car rentals, and e-hailing services. This initiative comes as African tourism experiences significant growth, with the continent welcoming 81 million international tourists in 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year, according to UN Tourism. Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa EEMEA region at Mastercard, stated that Priceless Africa aims to connect people with their passions and the extraordinary spirit of the African continent through authentic and unforgettable experiences, supported by secure and seamless Mastercard payment options. Examples of available experiences include a hot air balloon safari in Amboseli National Park, a candlelit ceremony at Cape Coast Castle, gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, and a Bedouin dinner in Morocco's Agafay stone desert. The platform also features adventures like climbing Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius, a dhow trip in Zanzibar, rhino tracking
Must ReadThe European Union has mobilized 883.6 million euros to support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. This initiative, named "Team Gaza," was launched during a meeting co-chaired by European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. The gathering included 65 delegations representing EU member states, partner countries, international organizations, and financial institutions. The funding will be used to restore water and sanitation networks, manage debris and waste, and rebuild health services, energy infrastructure, and agricultural and food systems. Thirteen countries, including Spain, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, and Belgium, are participating alongside the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, and the World Bank. Australia and Canada have also expressed interest in joining. The initiative is based on a rapid damage and needs assessment for Gaza published in April 2026 by the EU, the United Nations, and the World Bank, aligning with the peace plan for Gaza and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and complementing other international efforts.

Twelve tiny metallic meteorite fragments have been discovered in sediments near Lake Isli, close to Imilchil in the High Atlas. This finding, approximately 600 meters from the lake, reopens a scientific debate spanning over a decade regarding whether the lake's depression was formed by a meteorite impact or a natural collapse of the limestone subsurface. The research was conducted by a team from Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, in collaboration with G. S. Senesi from the Italian Institute of Plasma Science and Technology in Bari. Their findings will be presented at the 88th annual meeting of the Meteoritical Society in Frankfurt from August 9 to 14, 2026. The fragments, measuring between 2 and 5 millimeters and weighing about one gram in total, were recovered from silt and chalk deposits. Electron microscopy and laser analysis revealed high concentrations of iron and nickel, along with cobalt, and traces of gallium, germanium, and iridium, consistent with iron meteorites. Some samples also showed an oxidation layer from rapid cooling and small imprints from atmospheric entry. The hypothesis of a meteoritic origin for Lake Isli was first proposed in 2012 and 2013, but was contested in 2014 and 2015 due to the absence of meteorite fragments around Lake Isli, unlike the nearby Agoudal site. Opposing researchers suggested a karstic collapse, where water dissolved limestone, causing the ground to sink and form a circular depression. The presence of these new fragments weakens a key
Must ReadFIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed in an interview with Swiss media outlet blue Sport that FIFA will consider expanding the World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament. Infantino believes the previous expansion from 32 to 48 teams validated the principle of a more open World Cup and could be a step towards further evolution. He stated that the idea of a 64-team tournament would offer emerging nations a real opportunity to accelerate their progress, strengthen their football structures, and elevate the sport beyond traditional powerhouses. Infantino cited the performance of several African teams in the current edition as support for a less concentrated World Cup, emphasizing that the tournament is for the entire world, not just Europe and South America. However, the idea has met with skepticism from some, who fear a longer tournament with less competitive matches and an overabundance of unbalanced fixtures, arguing that the World Cup should remain a gathering of the international elite to preserve its intensity. Others believe the proposal is primarily commercially driven, suggesting more teams would mean more matches, TV rights, ticket revenue, and sponsorship deals, potentially diluting the sporting integrity for increased FIFA profitability. No decision has been made, but a 64-team World Cup for 2030, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, is now a possibility, pending further study and a final decision from FIFA bodies. Separately, Infantino thanked Morocco

The summer transfer window is active for Moroccan international footballers. Yassine Kechta, a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has officially joined Leganés in the Spanish second division on a four-season contract after his contract with Le Havre ended. The 24-year-old midfielder, who made 128 appearances for Le Havre, scored 7 goals, provided 6 assists, and won a Ligue 2 title in 2023, will aim to revitalize his career with Leganés. Meanwhile, Ajax Amsterdam is reportedly pursuing Azzedine Ounahi, who impressed during the World Cup. According to Foot Mercato, Ajax has made the Moroccan international a priority for their midfield and has initiated discussions for a potential transfer. Ounahi, who played a key role in Morocco's journey to the quarterfinals and scored two goals against Canada, is under contract with Girona until 2030 with a release clause estimated at 25 million euros, which Ajax is reportedly trying to negotiate. Additionally, Noussair Mazraoui, another prominent player from the 2026 World Cup, has attracted interest from AC Milan. Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reports that AC Milan's new coach, Ruben Amorim, who previously coached Mazraoui, is particularly interested in the Moroccan defender's versatility across defensive positions. However, no negotiations have begun between Manchester United and AC Milan. Mazraoui is under contract with Manchester United until 2028, with an optional additional year, and remains an important player for M

Bank Al-Maghrib BAM has announced a reduction in the general cap for domestic electronic payment interchange fees from 0.65% to 0.5% excluding taxes, effective October 1, 2026. Additionally, a specific cap of 0.15% excluding taxes has been set for payments related to electronic government services e-Gov and transactions made with local merchants. Interchange fees are a component of the acquisition commission charged to merchants for accepting bank card payments. Bank Al-Maghrib emphasized that this acquisition commission is solely the responsibility of the merchant and cannot be passed on to the customer, regardless of the payment channel. For domestic electronic payment operations, interchange fees will not exceed 0.15% excluding taxes for e-Gov transactions, 0.15% excluding taxes for transactions with local merchants, and 0.50% excluding taxes for all other payment operations. Acquirers are required to provide Bank Al-Maghrib with their interchange fee schedules and commissions applied to merchants, along with all necessary reports to monitor compliance with this decision, according to the terms and schedule set by the Central Bank. Bank Al-Maghrib stated that the reduction in interchange fees is intended to be passed on by acquirers to the commissions applied to merchants for e-Gov operations and those conducted with local merchants.

New regional data from Morocco's High Commission for Planning HCP reveals that despite a 4.4% economic growth in 2024, disparities in wealth creation, consumption levels, and per capita income are increasing across the country. While the national GDP grew to 1,550.45 billion dirhams in volume and 1,614.57 billion dirhams at current prices, a 8.7% increase from 2023, this growth is not evenly distributed. Eight regions surpassed the national average growth rate of 4.4%, led by Laâyoune-Saguia Al Hamra 7.6%, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Sahab 7%, and Souss-Massa 6.8%. In contrast, Casablanca-Settat 4.3%, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra 3.5%, Béni Mellal-Khénifra 2.1%, and Fès-Meknès 1.6% grew below the national average. However, in terms of contribution to national wealth, Casablanca-Settat remains dominant, accounting for 32.3% of the national GDP. Together with Rabat-Salé-Kénitra 15.5% and Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima 10.7%, these three regions generate 58.4% of Morocco's GDP. The HCP noted a slight increase in territorial inequalities, with the average absolute gap between regional GDPs rising from 83.6 billion dirhams in 2023 to 90.9 billion dirhams in 2024. Sectoral analysis shows varied economic profiles. Primary activities constitute 10.7% of national GDP but reach 24.6% in Fès-Meknès. Secondary activities represent 25.6% of national GDP, with Casablanca-Settat contributing 36.5% to its regional GDP. Services are the main economic driver, making up 52.9% of national GDP, with Guelmim-Oued Noun showin

Jannik Sinner, 24, secured his second consecutive Wimbledon title, marking his fifth Grand Slam victory and sixth trophy of the season. Sinner overcame his opponent after losing the first set, gaining control with a strong tie-break in the second. Despite a solid performance, Alexander Zverev, the recent French Open winner, could not stop Sinner's momentum. Zverev, who was a Wimbledon finalist for the first time, will rise to a career-high world number two ranking on Monday. This victory also marks Sinner's tenth consecutive win against Zverev and his 100th Grand Slam match win.

Royal Air Maroc has announced an exceptional program for the summer 2026 season, featuring a record offering of nearly 8.2 million seats, a 23% increase compared to summer 2025. This expansion will connect Morocco to 86 international destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, utilizing a modernized fleet of 67 aircraft. The increased capacity aims to support Moroccans residing abroad during the summer, enhance the Kingdom's connectivity, and meet demand from African diasporas and international tourists. The airline will serve 44 European destinations, 29 African destinations, seven in the Americas United States, Canada, and Brazil, and six in Asia and the Middle East. Europe will see over 3 million seats +22%, Africa over 1.8 million seats +36%, Asia and the Middle East over 524,000 seats +16%, and the Americas 723,000 seats +7%. Domestic routes will also increase by 18% with nearly 1.2 million seats. The company will maintain its "Europe by night - Africa by day" hub structure in Casablanca to improve connections and reduce wait times. For the first time, Royal Air Maroc will operate its entire summer program using only its own aircraft, without chartered planes. Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, stated that this initiative is a major step in the company's development, reinforcing RAM's role as a strategic hub for Moroccan mobility and international influence. Flights for the summer season are already available for booking.

His Majesty the King of Morocco has extended his deepest condolences and sincere compassion to the Emir of Qatar, his princely family, and the Qatari people following the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The King recalled the distinguished achievements of the deceased in modernizing Qatar and developing its economic and political capabilities, which enabled the country to play a significant role in defending just Arab causes and strengthening Arab and Islamic solidarity. His Majesty also emphasized the strong fraternal ties and active solidarity that the late Sheikh maintained with the Kingdom of Morocco, noting his unwavering support for Morocco's development projects and just causes. The King prayed for the deceased to be granted the highest reward for his commendable services and pioneering achievements, and for his soul to rest in eternal peace. He also wished His Highness the Emir and his family continued health, tranquility, and a long life.

A recent international conference in Casablanca, organized by LOGOS, a research laboratory at Hassan II University, explored the paradox of youth political engagement in Morocco. While 87% of young people discuss politics, 84% have no affiliation with a political party. This highlights a crisis of trust as the 2026 legislative elections approach. Professor Mustapha Raoud emphasized that political participation means "having or taking one's share" and contributing to the common good. Professor Jaouad Bennis, director of LOGOS, noted a historical trend of increasing abstention in Morocco, reaching 63% in 2007. He identified three contributing factors: a distanced relationship with the political field, distrust of parties, and gender inequalities. The 2021 election saw a 51% participation rate, a relative increase attributed to simultaneous communal and regional elections. Bennis stressed that restoring trust requires more than just legal reforms. He observed that political communication in Morocco is often intermittent and disconnected from social realities and citizens' expectations. He argued for rekindling political efficacy and identification, as voting is influenced by an individual's integration into their political ecosystem. Saad Jafri, a doctor in information and communication sciences and editor-in-chief of "L'Opinion," presented findings from a survey of university students. His research showed that 89% are interested in national politics, 82% in international geopol
Must ReadThe Senegalese Football Federation FSF has announced the dismissal of national coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff. This decision follows an in-depth evaluation of the national team's sporting results and future prospects, with the FSF also planning a reorganization of all national selections. Thiaw, appointed in late 2024, departs after a World Cup campaign deemed insufficient. The Lions of Teranga were defeated by France 3-1 and Norway 3-2 in the group stage, before securing a 5-0 victory against Iraq. Their journey ended in the round of 16 with a 3-2 loss to Belgium after extra time, despite leading 2-0 until the 86th minute. Thiaw's tenure also included the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal was deemed to have abandoned the match against Morocco after Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field in protest of a penalty. The Confederation of African Football CAF awarded a 3-0 victory to Morocco, pending confirmation from the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS. The FSF is now expected to begin a new chapter, with former French international Patrick Vieira reportedly among the top candidates to succeed Thiaw, though no official successor has been named.
Must ReadMorocco's Atlas Lions reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, a tournament expanded to 48 teams. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took charge 98 days before the event, led the team through six matches. In the group stage, Morocco finished second in Group C with 7 points, drawing with Brazil 1-1, defeating Scotland 1-0, and winning against Haiti 4-2. They then eliminated the Netherlands in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout 1-1, 3-2 p.s.o. and beat Canada 3-0 in the round of 16. Their campaign ended with a 2-0 loss to France in the quarterfinals. Overall, Morocco recorded 3 wins, 2 draws one won on penalties, and 1 defeat, scoring 10 goals and conceding 6. This performance earned the Royal Moroccan Football Federation an estimated 21.5 million dollars. Ismael Saibari was Morocco's top scorer with 3 goals, followed by Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi with 2 each. Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, and Gessime Yassine each scored once. Brahim Díaz was the leading assist provider with 4, while Achraf Hakimi had 2, and Chadi Riad and Chemsdine Talbi each contributed one. Captain Achraf Hakimi led in several statistics, including touches per game 99.3, key passes 2.5, and duels won 6.8. Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui made 73.7 passes per game and was among the best ball recoverers. Azzedine Ounahi maintained his importance with an average of 2 successful dribbles per match. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou continued his strong World Cup performances, saving a penalty against Kylian Mbappé i

Morocco's Ministry of Economy and Finance has initiated a public consultation on its green financial taxonomy project. This initiative aims to gather feedback, comments, and proposals from stakeholders and the public to enrich and finalize the taxonomy. The project is a key component of operationalizing the 2030 Climate Finance Development Strategy and accelerating Morocco's international climate commitments, including those outlined in the new NDC 3.0 and the 2050 National Low-Carbon Strategy. The green financial taxonomy provides a common framework for classifying economic activities as green, based on predefined scientific and technical criteria. This will help identify climate investment opportunities and improve risk management within the financial sector. Initially, it focuses on high-impact climate sectors such as energy, transport, and industry. The goal is to provide public actors, financial institutions, investors, and public and private companies with a harmonized framework to identify activities and investment projects that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The consultation documents include chapters on climate change mitigation, covering emission reduction activities, and climate change adaptation, focusing on activities that enhance resilience to climate risks. Stakeholders are invited to provide input on proposed technical criteria, the clarity and usability of the framework, implementation modalities, and support needs. Contributions can
Must ReadThe semifinals of the 2026 World Cup have been set, featuring four top-ranked nations. On Tuesday, July 14, France will play Spain at the Dallas Stadium. The following day, Wednesday, July 15, England will face Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium. All four teams, France, Argentina, Spain, and England, have previously won the World Cup trophy. This marks the first World Cup with 48 teams.
BreakingThe death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24 has reached 4,333, according to Mr. Rodríguez, the president of the Venezuelan National Assembly. This figure is an increase from the previous count of 4,118 deaths and 16,740 injured reported on Friday. The two earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurred 39 seconds apart and primarily impacted Caracas and the neighboring state of La Guaira. Over 19,000 displaced individuals are currently living in makeshift camps in these areas. Mr. Rodríguez, who is also the brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, did not provide an update on the number of missing persons, which the UN had estimated at around 50,000 shortly after the disaster. He noted that 315 bodies, representing 7% of the total victims, had not yet been identified as of Friday. Mr. Rodríguez denied claims that the government would halt search operations for bodies, assuring that the clearing of debris is proceeding slowly and that there is still hope of finding survivors in some locations. The government estimates that approximately 25,000 homes will need to be rebuilt. To address this, more than 40 plots of land, totaling about 584,000 square meters, have been made available in La Guaira for new housing construction. These plots are located in safe plains, away from the heavily affected coastal zone where hundreds of buildings were damaged and over 180 completely collapsed.