Morocco

The New Guard
Libya, Morocco, Rwanda

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

LIBYAOsama Dbeibeh, the PM's cousin, has a new goal: a career in the beautiful game

RwandaClarisse Iribagiza, putting tech at the service of development

MoroccoAmine Mazzen, a leading voice in continental football

Rabat plays economic lobbying card with Rome

Boosted by the recent UN vote on Western Sahara, Moroccan diplomacy is intensifying its pressure on Italy, which is still linked to Algeria on energy matters and which is showing caution on the issue.

Two new South Korean companies covet the Casablanca shipyard tender

While the issue of its concessionaire has been dragging on for several years, it is now the turn of port construction firms Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries to apply to operate the shipyard in the economic capital.

OCP and Fortescue's short-lived green hydrogen dream

The two firms had earmarked around $13bn for a green ammonia and hydrogen venture in southern Morocco. But the phosphate giant and the Australian miner have since abandoned their pact, leaving the door open for France's Engie.

King's digital darling, Zaki Narjisse, pursues breakthrough in tech

Netopia Solutions has just acquired local firm Harmony Technology, notably with the aim of taking advantage of the consulting firm's particularly extensive client portfolio.

Abu Dhabi aims to leverage US interest in Western Sahara

After France and the United States, the United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch an economic offensive in the disputed territory.

Lobbyist Omar Alaoui leaves French firm Next Step Influence

Very active on the Paris-Rabat front, Salaheddine Mezouar's former right-hand man at the Moroccan employers' body, CGEM, internally announced his departure from Next Step Influence, a move to devote himself to new projects.

Macron appeals to ex-foreign affairs minister Hubert Védrine on bilateral relations

Former French foreign affairs minster Hubert Védrine will attend the 14th edition of Atlantic Dialogues, organised by the Policy Center for the New South, from 11 to 13 December in Rabat.

Renault explores Nador as possibility for electric car manufacturing site

The French automotive group plans to begin production of electric vehicles in Morocco. The Nador West Med port is being considered as the location for this new factory.

EDF hoping to see light at end of the tunnel for Noor Midelt I power plant

The arrival in the kingdom of an official from the French group has given new impetus to the difficult negotiations with Rabat over the future solar power plant, on hold since 2019.

To bail out Forafric, Yariv Elbaz calls on his trading company

Prodela, a subsidiary of the flour milling firm dedicated to animal feed, has been taken over by Swiss grain trading company Millcorp. The move is intended to pay off the Moroccan company's huge debts.

Following Stellantis's lead, several subcontractors are establishing themselves in the kingdom

By announcing in July an investment of over €1bn to double the production capacity of its Kenitra plant, the Stellantis automotive group has spurred an entire ecosystem into action.

UN dismisses its Western Sahara representative in Tindouf refugee camps

Palestinian diplomat Yusef Jedian has just received a letter from his employer, the United Nations, informing him of the impending end of his MINURSO mandate.

Troubled sustainable energy agency Masen seeks green shoots

As the sole body representing the country's green hydrogen initiative, the organisation has embarked on a last-chance transition to fix its ongoing problems, under the guidance of CEO Tarik Ameziane Moufaddal.