Morocco

Bank al-Maghrib turns to Crane Currency again in fight against counterfeit money

Crane Currency, entreprise nord-américaine spécialisée dans la conception et la sécurisation des billets de banque, a été à la manœuvre du récent renouvellement des coupures de dirhams par la banque centrale marocaine.

Guarantor doubts hold back $300m EBRD loan

Talks over a much-needed European Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan to Morocco's national electricity and water utility have hit a wall over the guarantee provider, a situation the finance ministry is actively trying to resolve.

Rabat appoints new UN representative in bid to extend exclusive economic zone

Morocco will appoint Ahmed Erraji as its representative on the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). His mission will include advocating for the extension of Morocco's maritime borders off the coast of Western Sahara.

GE and Mitsubishi in the running for Al Wahda gas plant

GE and Mitsubishi are neck and neck to win a giant contract to build a gas plant in Al Wahda for the Moroccan power distribution bureau.

As retail crisis ensues, Salwa Akhannouch launches new business

The wife of Morocco's prime minister has just created a new business within holding firm Aksal, the country's leader in retail and co-owner of the Morocco Mall in Casablanca.

Rabat and Abidjan to make military cooperation official

After months of negotiations, Morocco and Ivory Coast are about to sign a military deal that will increase synergy between their two armed forces.

Rajoelina beefs up ties with Rabat

The Madagascan President has chosen Johary Rajobson, who is familiar with the twists and turns of domestic politics, as his ambassador in Morocco.

Western Sahara: MEPs challenge Josep Borrell

In a letter sent to the head of European foreign affairs on 10 September, a dozen MEPs condemned the change in policy on Western Sahara brought about in July by Emmanuel Macron.

Union for the Mediterranean frozen in run-up to election of secretary general

The cards have been reshuffled in the race to become UfM's secretary general after the front-runner, Jordanian national Yousef Bataineh, was appointed ambassador to the EU in August.

One year after earthquakes, Rabat maintains firm control over Al Haouz reconstruction

Morocco prefers to use the special fund created in the immediate aftermath of the natural disaster and budget reallocations to rebuild damaged areas. It is limiting its reliance on international aid to local grassroots initiatives and NGOs.

The New Guard
Morocco, Zimbabwe, Kenya

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

MoroccoDoha Lkasmi, standard-bearer for business diplomacy

ZimbabweLaziel Muchemwa, cycling ambassador in Cape Town

KenyaAustine Onyango Gerald, promoting young people in politics