Latest news with #BenSaid
Nahar Net
04-07-2025
- Business
- Nahar Net
Morocco bets on video game industry to provide jobs and diversify economy
by Naharnet Newsdesk 04 July 2025, 15:19 Morocco is laying down foundations to build a homegrown gaming industry by establishing a developer hub in the capital, training coders and launching programs to draw tech-savvy youth into the sector. State officials invited developers, students and tech companies from around the world to a gaming expo in Rabat this week, where guests tested new games, competed in e-sports tournaments and heard about new initiatives to bring the burgeoning industry to Morocco. Attendees at the Morocco Gaming Expo battled through shooting games, explored immersive virtual reality worlds, tested educational platforms and mingled with mobile providers eager to stake their claim in the growing mobile gaming market. The event, in its second year, is one of the few ways in which African countries are diversifying their economies and attracting new industries for their young workforces. Morocco is positioning itself as one of Africa's first countries to roll out targeted strategies for the gaming industry. Mehdi Ben Said, Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, said the government aims to both attract international game companies to Morocco and incentivize Moroccan developers to create their own products. With youth unemployment close to 30% and many young people eyeing opportunities abroad, the gaming industry could be a way to spark job growth and diversify opportunities, he said. "The objective is not only to generate revenue, but also to empower youth," Ben Said said. "We must offer real alternatives to our young people by opening up new career opportunities." With more than $200 billion in annual revenue and 3 billion players, the global market for video games is undergoing rapid growth. But even as smartphones have become ubiquitous in the Middle East and Africa, the industry has remained concentrated in East Asia, North America and Western Europe. Driven primarily by game sales, Morocco's industry currently generates over $500 million annually, according to state officials, who aim to double this revenue by 2030. Morocco is launching training programs in game design, programming and virtual reality alongside an industrial park where startups can incubate new games. The initiative includes a $26-million investment to open "Rabat Gaming City," featuring training, co-working spaces and full-scale production studios. For students the industry offers a chance to turn a passion into a career, said Fadwa Bezzazi, coordinator of Universite Mohammed V's undergraduate club in computer science and virtual reality. Students, who are already spending money on mobile or PC games, want to find ways to put what they're learning in the classroom into practice. "I'm not going to say we're preparing them for the future, because that future is already here," she said.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Morocco bets on video game industry to provide jobs and diversify economy
Mehdi Ben Said said the government aims to both attract international game companies to Morocco and incentivise Moroccan developers to create their own products. — AP RABAT, Morocco: Morocco is laying down foundations to build a homegrown gaming industry by establishing a developer hub in the capital, training coders and launching programmes to draw tech-savvy youth into the sector. State officials invited developers, students and tech companies from around the world to a gaming expo in Rabat this week, where guests tested new games, competed in e-sports tournaments and heard about new initiatives to bring the burgeoning industry to Morocco. Attendees at the Morocco Gaming Expo battled through shooting games, explored immersive virtual reality worlds, tested educational platforms and mingled with mobile providers eager to stake their claim in the growing mobile gaming market. The event, in its second year, is one of the few ways in which African countries are diversifying their economies and attracting new industries for their young workforces. Morocco is positioning itself as one of Africa's first countries to roll out targeted strategies for the gaming industry. Mehdi Ben Said, Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, said the government aims to both attract international game companies to Morocco and incentivise Moroccan developers to create their own products. With youth unemployment close to 30% and many young people eyeing opportunities abroad, the gaming industry could be a way to spark job growth and diversify opportunities, he said. "The objective is not only to generate revenue, but also to empower youth,' Ben Said said. "We must offer real alternatives to our young people by opening up new career opportunities.' With more than US$200bil (RM 845.60bil) in annual revenue and three billion players, the global market for video games is undergoing rapid growth. But even as smartphones have become ubiquitous in the Middle East and Africa, the industry has remained concentrated in East Asia, North America and Western Europe. Driven primarily by game sales, Morocco's industry currently generates over US$500mil (RM 2.11bil) annually, according to state officials, who aim to double this revenue by 2030. Morocco is launching training programs in game design, programming and virtual reality alongside an industrial park where startups can incubate new games. The initiative includes a US$26mil (RM 109.92mil) investment to open "Rabat Gaming City', featuring training, co-working spaces and full-scale production studios. For students the industry offers a chance to turn a passion into a career, said Fadwa Bezzazi, coordinator of Universite Mohammed V's undergraduate club in computer science and virtual reality. Students, who are already spending money on mobile or PC games, want to find ways to put what they're learning in the classroom into practice. "I'm not going to say we're preparing them for the future, because that future is already here,' she said. – AP
North Wales Chronicle
25-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Liam Delap scores first goal for Chelsea as Blues progress to last 16
The former Ipswich forward struck just moments after defender Tosin Adarabioyo had opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time of their final Group D game in Philadelphia. Tyrique George scored a third in time added on at the end of the game after Chelsea had a penalty awarded for handball overturned by VAR. The result means the Londoners will now face Benfica – surprise winners of Group C ahead of Bayern Munich – in the next round in Charlotte on Saturday. It was an occasion when Delap began paying back his £30million fee. We progress to the Round of 16! ⏭️ — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 25, 2025 With Nicolas Jackson suspended, the 22-year-old – one of just three players to retain his place as manager Enzo Maresca stuck to his plan to rotate his side – had an opportunity to cement his place. It was a chance he took on what was a hot and sticky night in Pennsylvania, with the temperature still 33C when the game kicked off at 9pm local time. His goal – coming in a quickfire double, both created by Enzo Fernandez – put the game beyond doubt before the interval. With FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching on, the Blues had already dominated the opening period. Chelsea, with a superior goal difference to Esperance, knew a draw would be sufficient to secure the runners-up spot in the group behind Flamengo. That put the onus on Esperance but, despite some attacking vibrancy, they lacked the quality up front. Delap created the first chance of the night when he skipped around two challenges but his shot was comfortably saved by Bechir Ben Said. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has been linked with West Ham, got in a header from a Malo Gusto cross but it looked to be going wide before Yassine Meriah headed clear. Josh Acheampong forced Ben Said to save from distance but the flag was raised before Delap could get to the rebound. Another good move led to Fernandez blasting wide but Chelsea finally took control with their quickfire double in first-half stoppage time. Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a well-placed header across goal after rising to meet a Fernandez free-kick. Fernandez was again the provider as the Londoners doubled their lead moments later. This time he chipped forward for Delap and the striker turned brilliantly to beat one defender and flick past another before rolling the ball past a statuesque Ben Said. Nukunku appealed for a penalty after going down early in the second half but nothing was given before Noni Madueke sent a shot narrowly wide. Chelsea were awarded a spot-kick when an Andrey Santos effort from distance struck the arm of Meriah. It seemed a harsh decision but there was a long delay, with Christopher Nkunku stood over the ball waiting to take it, before the referee was called over the monitor. Chelsea finally got the third goal their superiority deserved when substitute George's shot squirmed through Ben Said's grasp.
Rhyl Journal
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Liam Delap scores first goal for Chelsea as Blues progress to last 16
The former Ipswich forward struck just moments after defender Tosin Adarabioyo had opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time of their final Group D game in Philadelphia. Tyrique George scored a third in time added on at the end of the game after Chelsea had a penalty awarded for handball overturned by VAR. The result means the Londoners will now face Benfica – surprise winners of Group C ahead of Bayern Munich – in the next round in Charlotte on Saturday. It was an occasion when Delap began paying back his £30million fee. We progress to the Round of 16! ⏭️ — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 25, 2025 With Nicolas Jackson suspended, the 22-year-old – one of just three players to retain his place as manager Enzo Maresca stuck to his plan to rotate his side – had an opportunity to cement his place. It was a chance he took on what was a hot and sticky night in Pennsylvania, with the temperature still 33C when the game kicked off at 9pm local time. His goal – coming in a quickfire double, both created by Enzo Fernandez – put the game beyond doubt before the interval. With FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching on, the Blues had already dominated the opening period. Chelsea, with a superior goal difference to Esperance, knew a draw would be sufficient to secure the runners-up spot in the group behind Flamengo. That put the onus on Esperance but, despite some attacking vibrancy, they lacked the quality up front. Delap created the first chance of the night when he skipped around two challenges but his shot was comfortably saved by Bechir Ben Said. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has been linked with West Ham, got in a header from a Malo Gusto cross but it looked to be going wide before Yassine Meriah headed clear. Josh Acheampong forced Ben Said to save from distance but the flag was raised before Delap could get to the rebound. Another good move led to Fernandez blasting wide but Chelsea finally took control with their quickfire double in first-half stoppage time. Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a well-placed header across goal after rising to meet a Fernandez free-kick. Fernandez was again the provider as the Londoners doubled their lead moments later. This time he chipped forward for Delap and the striker turned brilliantly to beat one defender and flick past another before rolling the ball past a statuesque Ben Said. Nukunku appealed for a penalty after going down early in the second half but nothing was given before Noni Madueke sent a shot narrowly wide. Chelsea were awarded a spot-kick when an Andrey Santos effort from distance struck the arm of Meriah. It seemed a harsh decision but there was a long delay, with Christopher Nkunku stood over the ball waiting to take it, before the referee was called over the monitor. Chelsea finally got the third goal their superiority deserved when substitute George's shot squirmed through Ben Said's grasp.
Leader Live
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Liam Delap scores first goal for Chelsea as Blues progress to last 16
The former Ipswich forward struck just moments after defender Tosin Adarabioyo had opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time of their final Group D game in Philadelphia. Tyrique George scored a third in time added on at the end of the game after Chelsea had a penalty awarded for handball overturned by VAR. The result means the Londoners will now face Benfica – surprise winners of Group C ahead of Bayern Munich – in the next round in Charlotte on Saturday. It was an occasion when Delap began paying back his £30million fee. We progress to the Round of 16! ⏭️ — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 25, 2025 With Nicolas Jackson suspended, the 22-year-old – one of just three players to retain his place as manager Enzo Maresca stuck to his plan to rotate his side – had an opportunity to cement his place. It was a chance he took on what was a hot and sticky night in Pennsylvania, with the temperature still 33C when the game kicked off at 9pm local time. His goal – coming in a quickfire double, both created by Enzo Fernandez – put the game beyond doubt before the interval. With FIFA president Gianni Infantino watching on, the Blues had already dominated the opening period. Chelsea, with a superior goal difference to Esperance, knew a draw would be sufficient to secure the runners-up spot in the group behind Flamengo. That put the onus on Esperance but, despite some attacking vibrancy, they lacked the quality up front. Delap created the first chance of the night when he skipped around two challenges but his shot was comfortably saved by Bechir Ben Said. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has been linked with West Ham, got in a header from a Malo Gusto cross but it looked to be going wide before Yassine Meriah headed clear. Josh Acheampong forced Ben Said to save from distance but the flag was raised before Delap could get to the rebound. Another good move led to Fernandez blasting wide but Chelsea finally took control with their quickfire double in first-half stoppage time. Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a well-placed header across goal after rising to meet a Fernandez free-kick. Fernandez was again the provider as the Londoners doubled their lead moments later. This time he chipped forward for Delap and the striker turned brilliantly to beat one defender and flick past another before rolling the ball past a statuesque Ben Said. Nukunku appealed for a penalty after going down early in the second half but nothing was given before Noni Madueke sent a shot narrowly wide. Chelsea were awarded a spot-kick when an Andrey Santos effort from distance struck the arm of Meriah. It seemed a harsh decision but there was a long delay, with Christopher Nkunku stood over the ball waiting to take it, before the referee was called over the monitor. Chelsea finally got the third goal their superiority deserved when substitute George's shot squirmed through Ben Said's grasp.
