Latest news with #GovernmentCouncil
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Ambitious Public Sector Reform with ONHYM Restructuring
The Moroccan government has approved the transformation of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) into a joint-stock company. This marks the first concrete step in a broader public sector reform agenda. Draft law No. 56.24, adopted by the Government Council today, sets ONHYM on a new path aimed at strengthening strategic efficiency, improving institutional performance, and optimizing national resources. This decision falls in line with Morocco's broader vision which strives to achieve deep reform and address long-standing structural issues in public institutions. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition described the transformation as a strategic shift, placing ONHYM at the center of Morocco's economic and institutional renewal. According to the minister, this reform did not emerge in isolation. It was shaped through collaboration among the Head of Government's Office, ONHYM, her ministry, and the National Agency for the Strategic Management of State Holdings and Monitoring of Public Enterprises' Performance (ANGSPE). The law draws directly from Framework Law No. 50.21 and Law No. 82.20, and seeks to introduce a new governance model for ONHYM. It also opens the door to stronger performance, diversified funding sources, and more effective use of national assets. Benali further noted that this change would boost economic and territorial value and allow the agency to contribute more significantly to Morocco's development goals. Created in 2003 through the merger of two specialized institutions, ONHYM has built a solid base of geoscientific data and technical expertise. It has played a key role in identifying numerous mineral deposits, and now stands to gain more autonomy and financial agility under the new structure. The minister pointed to recent reforms within the energy and mining sectors, including updates to legal frameworks, the withdrawal of inactive permits, increased investment in natural gas, and a push toward digitization and better public service. She said that transforming ONHYM is a natural continuation of these efforts. Under the new model, ONHYM will be allowed to form subsidiaries and take part in the capital of other companies. The state will retain majority voting rights, and employee rights will be preserved. ONHYM will also continue, on a transitional basis, to operate in gas transport and storage. Benali described this shift as a crucial mechanism for repositioning ONHYM within the national economy and linking it more effectively to global value chains. She said the reform supports Morocco's pursuit of energy sovereignty and industrial transformation and aligns with a larger national strategy to improve the performance of over 50 public institutions. This new reform represents a new phase in public investment, national development, and the responsible management of Morocco's strategic assets. As the North African country advances toward energy sovereignty and deeper integration into global value chains, this reform sets a precedent for future public sector transformations. Tags: Moroccomorocco infrastructureMorocco miningONHYM
Ya Biladi
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco approves creation of national agency for child protection
The Government Council approved on Thursday draft law No. 29.24 establishing the National Agency for Child Protection, as well as child protection centers and social care institutions dedicated to children. The bill was presented by the Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi. This legislative initiative aligns with the great importance placed on children's rights within Morocco's legal framework and national institutions. The aim is to ensure effective protection and the full realization of children's rights, according to a statement from the Ministry in charge of Relations with Parliament, the official government spokesperson. The bill seeks to advance significant legislative and institutional reforms in the field of child protection by addressing key legal and practical challenges facing institutional child welfare. These include legislative gaps concerning child protection centers, the complexity of overlapping responsibilities among various stakeholders, and the need to account for the specific needs of different child categories, in addition to the persistent lack of institutional coordination. At its core, the draft law proposes the creation of the National Agency for Child Protection, a public institution with legal personality and financial autonomy. The agency will be tasked with implementing and advancing state policies related to the protection and promotion of children's rights.
Morocco World
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Government Council Approves Creation of National Child Protection Agency
Rabat – The Government Council approved on Thursday Draft Law No. 29.24 establishing the National Agency for Child Protection, along with child protection centers and social care institutions dedicated to children. The draft was presented by Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi. According to a statement from the Ministry in charge of Relations with Parliament, the new agency reflects the importance Morocco places on child protection in both its legislative framework and national institutions. The initiative aligns with the special attention that King Mohammed VI dedicates to children as part of the country's broad reform agenda. The draft law continues Morocco's legislative and institutional reforms in the field of child protection. It aims to address various legal and practical challenges, such as gaps in legislation concerning child protection centers. It also seeks to better respond to the specific needs of different categories of children. The bill outlines the establishment of a financially independent public entity with legal personality, responsible for implementing state policies in child protection and promoting children's rights. In the same context, children from across Morocco gathered in Rabat for a national consultation held on June 13–14. Organized by the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) with support from UNICEF Morocco, the event concluded a year-long series of consultations held in all 12 regions of the country. Children used the platform to express their views and called for stronger protection of their rights. In their appeal, children stressed their right to participate in all matters that concern them. They asked for their voices to be heard regularly, not just during special events, and for laws to guarantee their right to take part in decisions that affect their lives.
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and Chad sign driver's license recognition agreement
The Government Council, which met on Thursday in Rabat, reviewed an agreement on the mutual recognition of driver's licenses between the governments of Morocco and Chad. Speaking at a press briefing following the meeting, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas explained that the agreement—signed in Dakhla on August 14, 2024—was presented along with draft law 02.25, which approves the agreement. Both were submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Nasser Bourita.
Ya Biladi
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco approves decree to enhance educational support for children with disabilities
The Government Council, meeting on Thursday in Rabat, approved Decree No. 2.23.152 implementing Article 13 of Framework Law 97.13 on the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities (new version). Presented by Mohamed Saâd Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, the decree sets out the composition and functions of the regional commissions established within the Regional Academies of Education and Training, as provided for in Article 13 of Framework Law 97.13. Speaking at a press briefing following the meeting, Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, explained that these commissions are tasked with reviewing the cases of school-aged children with disabilities in educational and training institutions. Their responsibilities include recommending placement or reorientation where needed, as well as monitoring the children's educational progress. Baitas added that the decree specifies the composition of the regional commissions and how they operate. It also empowers the commission president to create, by decision of the director of the relevant Regional Academy, local commissions to oversee the schooling of children with disabilities. Additionally, the regional commissions will prepare annual reports summarizing their activities. These reports will be submitted to the central offices of the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports; the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family; and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
