Barlaman Today

#Morocco has been re-elected to the United Nations International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) for a four-year term starting January 1, 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad. Ambassador El Hassane Zahid, a member of the commission since 1997, will continue to represent Morocco. Morocco’s re-election enables it to maintain an influential role in shaping human resource policies within the United Nations system and strengthen North African representation in the UN’s global governance. #MoroccoAtUN #InternationalCivilService #UNGovernance #Barlamantoday

In a recent feature, “The Times” magazine highlighted a number of captivating hotels and experiences awaiting travelers in Morocco. From camel treks through the Agafay Desert to immersive cultural festivals in Tangier, the widely read magazine showcased the country’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and adventurous activities, making it a top destination for 2025. Read the full article on the website. #Morocco #VisitMorocco #MoroccoTravel2025 #ExploreMorocco #Barlamantoday

Morocco’s population has grown to 36,828,330 this year, a 9% increase over the past decade, according to Morocco’s latest census, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced in a government memorandum on Thursday. Laftit remarked that the population growth signals significant demographic changes across the Kingdom. The number of households in Morocco rose dramatically to 9,275,038 – an 82% increase from 2014 figures. The census also shows that Morocco’s foreign-born population is now 148,152, a 71.86% increase from 2014. #Morocco #Today #MoroccoCensus2024 #PopulationGrowth #DemographicChanges

Banque Centrale Populaire - BCP announced on Thursday that Belkeziz Naziha will step in as its new Chair and CEO, effective immediately, according to a statement issued by the company. The bank’s board selected Belkeziz to replace Mohamed Karim Mounir, who will retire after nearly 30 years with BCP, including six years as CEO. Known for her management skills and integrity, Belkeziz is the first woman to lead the bank. Under Belkeziz’s leadership, BCP intends to strengthen its position in the Moroccan and African financial sectors, building on its past successes. Currently the second largest bank in #Morocco, BCP has an overall market capitalization of USD 4.9 billion. It currently operates in 32 countries, primarily located in Africa (North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, Mauritius and Madagascar) and Europe.

Annually on November 6, Moroccans celebrate the Green March Anniversary, a historic day that united the country in 1975 and paved the way for reclaiming sovereignty over the Sahara from Spanish colonialism. Citizens honor the legacy of over 350,000 volunteers who marched peacefully to the southern territories of their homeland, demonstrating unity, resilience and patriotism. In an exclusive interview with Barlaman Today, Allal El Ghoubachi, one of the volunteers, recounts the incredible journey of the march – an enduring story of courage and national pride that captured global attention. #greenmarch #kinghassan2 #greenmarchanniversary #history #spanishcolonialism #today #barlamantoday #morocco

From Taza to Laayoune: Marcher’s Tale of Morocco’s Historic Green March, or March for Sovereignty Annually on November 6, Moroccans celebrate the Green March Anniversary, a historic day that united the country in 1975 and paved the way for reclaiming sovereignty over the Sahara from Spanish colonialism. Citizens honor the legacy of over 350,000 volunteers who marched peacefully to the southern territories of their homeland, demonstrating unity, resilience and patriotism. In an exclusive interview with Barlaman Today, Allal El Ghoubachi, one of the volunteers, recounts the incredible journey of the march – an enduring story of courage and national pride that captured global attention. #greenmarch #kinghassan2 #greenmarchanniversary #history #spanishcolonialism #today #barlamantoday #morocco https://lnkd.in/dseGM4hk

Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, announced on Tuesday plans to accelerate renewable energy projects in the coming year, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported. During her address to the Lower House, Benali presented the ministry’s budget proposal, which includes plans to add approximately 750 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity and authorize an additional 315 MW from renewable sources. To support these ambitious goals, a budget of MAD 200 million has been allocated, which will extend through to 2026. This strategic shift is a critical step toward achieving Morocco’s target to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. #Morocco #RenewableEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #Morocco2030

Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said on Monday at the Lower House that Moroccan exports reached a total of MAD 331 billion as of September 2024, marking a 5.3% increase (MAD 16.8 billion) compared to the same period in 2023. #Akhannouch attributed the climb mainly to rising demand for #Moroccan products in international #markets, underscoring Morocco’s efforts to boost exports and move closer to balance its trade deficit, largely through the expanding automotive and aerospace industries. He noted: “2023 was an exceptional year for Morocco’s #automotive sector, reclaiming its position as the top export sector with an impressive 28% #growth, adding about MAD 33 billion compared to 2022.”

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), both part of the World Bank Group, announced on Monday a partnership with #TangerMedPort Complex to expand its truck and passenger terminal facilities, according to the #IFC. The partnership seeks to position #Morocco as a key player in regional and global trade networks, wrote IFC in a statement. The financial arrangement includes a landmark EUR 197 million sustainability-linked loan from IFC to #Tanger Med, with EUR 47 million channeled through IFC’s Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program. An additional EUR 203 million commercial loan, arranged by a group of international banks led by US bank JP Morgan, is backed by a MIGA non-honoring guarantee, which will protect lenders for up to 15 years.

Morocco’s unemployment rate inched up to 13.6% in the third quarter of 2024, driven by setbacks in the agriculture sector that dampened job growth, according to data from Morocco’s Statistics (HCP). The #HCP report highlighted that rural unemployment climbed by 0.4 points, reaching 7.4%, while urban joblessness held steady at 17%. Unemployment decreased for most educational groups, with university graduates seeing the largest improvement, dropping from 26% to 24%. Nationwide, the number of unemployed Moroccans rose by 58,000, bringing the total to 1.68 million. Much of this increase stemmed from rural areas, where a record six-year drought has weakened job opportunities. Even amid rural job setbacks, Morocco’s overall employment increased by 213,000 jobs over the past year, led by urban job growth. Urban regions added 231,000 positions, while rural areas lost 17,000 jobs. #MoroccoEconomy #UnemploymentRate #AgricultureSector #Barlamantoday