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Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Marks 26 Years of Reform, Global Leadership
Rabat — Twenty-six years ago today, King Mohammed VI became the 23rd monarch of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty. He ascended the throne on July 30, 1999, not only inheriting power but also inheriting and advancing a vision of modernity, inclusion, and national strength. From the beginning, the King championed major social initiatives. In 2004, he reformed the Family Code, known as the Mudawana, granting women greater rights and gender equality. In late 2024 and early 2025, King Mohammed VI took direct leadership of Morocco's comprehensive reforms to the country's Family Code, guiding a process described as both balanced and holistic. He personally chaired royal working sessions in Casablanca, where he instructed the government to align proposed changes with Islamic precepts while responding to modern social realities. King Mohammed VI's vision framed the reform as a social project reinforcing the family unit, rather than a narrow women's rights agenda, stressing inclusive consultation — bringing together ulemas, civil society actors, and government authorities — to ensure the revision promotes justice and solidarity across the family structure. In 2005, the King launched the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), targeting poverty and social exclusion through community-focused programs in health, education, and income support. His Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, founded in 1999, has since disbursed over MAD 3.3 billion ($ 365.524 million) to support vulnerable groups and disaster relief. The King also oversaw an infrastructure boom. Morocco now boasts Africa's longest high-speed rail line, Al Boraq, linking Casablanca, Rabat, Kenitra, and Tangier at speeds up to 320 km/h, making it the continent's first HSR network. The road network has expanded from 1,800 km of highways toward an expected 3,000 km by 2030, helping the country rank second in African infrastructure after South Africa. Flagship projects like the Tanger-Med port and the Mohammed VI Tower in Salé further reflect modern urban development. Green energy and economic diversification King Mohammed VI pressed Morocco toward renewable energy, raising its national target from 42% to 52% of installed capacity by 2030, and pushing ahead with the massive Ouarzazate solar complex. During Throne Day celebrations in July 2023, the King commended OCP Group's green energy initiatives, linking sustainability to industrial resilience. Under his leadership, Morocco built a competitive industrial base. Programs like the Emergence Plan and National Pact for Industrial Emergence powered growth in automotive, aeronautics, and electronics. Investments in tourism, agriculture, and digital innovation strengthened the national economy and helped position Morocco as a regional hub. Democratic reform and cultural recognition In response to the Arab Spring, King Mohammed VI revised the 2011 constitution. The update reduced royal power, boosted parliamentary authority, stressed gender equality, and cemented good governance principles. That year, he also recognized Amazigh (Berber) identity by establishing the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture in 2001 and committing to its inclusion in education and media. Pan-African diplomacy and global influence Morocco's foreign policy under Mohammed VI has been proactive and panoramic. The country rejoined the African Union in 2017 and forged new 'South–South' partnerships across sub-Saharan Africa. The annual International Africa Development Forum in Casablanca, launched in 2010, reflects Morocco's growing role as a continental investment hub. In June 2025, King Mohammed VI urged African leaders at the 'Africa for the Ocean' summit in Nice to take charge of maritime resources, indicating that oceans as key to sustainable development and security. Western Sahara: sovereignty and recognition The King's diplomatic efforts have dramatically shifted the Western Sahara narrative. His 2007 Autonomy Plan envisions self-governance for the region under Moroccan sovereignty. Ever since, the UN Security Council has described the plan as 'serious and credible.' In 2020, the US formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, while France followed in July 2024, offering similar endorsement and pledging €10 billion in regional investment. Just this week, Portugal also backed the plan, calling it a 'serious and credible basis' for settlement. Religious tolerance and security cooperation The King has positioned Morocco as a leading advocate for religious moderation. He backed the 2016 Marrakech Declaration promoting interfaith harmony and actively funds imam training programs across the Sahel to combat extremism. In 2022–23, Morocco and the UN launched the Marrakech Platform to coordinate regional counter-terrorism efforts. 25 years later: legacy of progress and promise King Mohammed VI has turned Morocco into a model of reform: modern infrastructure, a green-energy economy, democratic strides, cultural recognition, and cross-continental diplomacy. His leadership has raised Morocco's regional profile — stabilizing, prosperous, and inclusive. Still, pressures from climate stress and socio-economic disparity remain. As Morocco approaches its next phase, the King's commitment to sustainable development and international partnership will prove critical in steering the nation forward. Tags: King Mohammed VIKing's legacyKing's Throne Day
Morocco World
19-06-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
Moroccan High School Robotics Team Wins First Place at US Global Competition
Rabat – The Moroccan robotics team 'Robotics For Future' from the 11 Janvier High School in Moulay Yacoub has won first place at the World Robotics Championship at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The event took place in Massachusetts, United States, with the participation of 108 teams from across the world. The Moroccan team was recognized in the Robot Performance category, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education. 'Throughout the competition, the team delivered an outstanding performance, further distinguished by the selection of their innovative project as one of the best at the championship,' added the statement. It noted that the team showcased their project on the main stage in front of all participants. The Moroccan robotics team 'Robotics For Future' This marks Robotics For Future's second win at the championship, having earned the same title last year. This victory is 'the result of months of dedicated work and ambition,' says the ministry. Meanwhile, the Moulay Yacoub province says this international recognition reflects the progress being made in the fields of education and innovation, as well as the strong support provided to young talents and local initiatives. The province added that it has helped the team take part in national and international competitions and supported the creation of a special robotics space. This space was built for the team for MAD 271,750, as part of a program that supports youth development. A new innovative project is also planned for 2025. The upcoming project aims to boost creativity and develop digital and technical skills in robotics and programming. It is a partnership between the Provincial Human Development Committee, the Ministry of Education's local office, and the Matrix Association for education and cultural development. The project, launched on the 20th anniversary of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), will benefit over 4,000 students in the province and has a total budget of MAD 600,000. Tags: MoroccoroboticsstudentsUS
Morocco World
12-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Makes Progress in Integrating Street Vendors into Formal Economy
Rabat — Morocco's Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour recently said that over 86,000 street vendors have joined the country's formal economy, a significant progress in the implementation of the national program aimed at regulating informal commerce. Speaking at the House of Representatives, Mezzour revealed that these vendors make up approximately 70% of the 124,000 identified nationwide. The commerce sector ranks as Morocco's second-largest employer, engaging 1.6 million people — 15.6% of the active population — and generating MAD 151 billion ($15 billion) in annual value. While operating outside formal channels, street vending plays a vital role in Moroccan society. This sector meets local needs and provides livelihoods, especially in working-class neighborhoods. Despite its economic importance, economists assert that the growth of informal commerce continues to hamper both structured businesses and consumer service quality. The government plan operates under Morocco's National Human Development Initiative (INDH) with local authority oversight. The government's focus in this sector is on regulation, rather than eliminating this important and longstanding commercial practice. Read also: Minister: With 1 Million Workers, Industrial Sector is Essential to Morocco However, assessments by the Ministry of Interior and the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) have identified several obstacles to fully, successfully implement the program. Part of the government's plan is to move these vendors into more formal commercial centers, but they face a lack of places to relocate them. Additionally, not all vendors are willing and open to make this change, and in terms of formal bookkeeping, there are significant discrepancies between initial vendor counts and those working in specific areas. In response to this situation, Mezzour has urged municipalities and authorities to develop more nuanced approaches to organizing street commerce, including conducting detailed analyses of supply chains, points of conflict, and local characteristics to create more effective and sustainable solutions. The government is simultaneously promoting vendors to take on the self-employment (auto-entrepreneur) status to encourage informal workers to join the structured economy. This status offers simplified tax advantages and access to social protection, marking important progress in coverage and recognition for small-scale entrepreneurs. While the gradual integration of street vendors into the formal sector shows progress, it also reveals the limitations of centralized approaches to diverse local realities. The key now lies in coordination between local authorities, the state, and economic stakeholders to develop flexible, fair, and sustainable regulation that addresses both social and economic challenges in neighborhood commerce.
Morocco World
07-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches National Campaign to Raise Prenatal Care Awarness
Rabat – Morocco launched a nationwide campaign focused on the importance of prenatal care on April 7, running until May 8. The initiative operates under the slogan 'Early and regular pregnancy monitoring…to preserve the health of mother and baby.' The campaign is part of the 2023-2027 Strategy for Social and Behavioral Change developed by Morocco's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The campaign's launch timing coincides with World Health Day on April 7, which focuses on maternal and neonatal health this year. Health officials designed the campaign to build on Morocco's existing progress in prenatal consultation services. These services have proven effective in reducing mother and newborn illness and death rates. The initiative also expands efforts toward other components of the first thousand days of life, recognized as critical for optimal child development. In addition to the awareness campaign, a new online learning platform has been created with World Bank support. This 'Massive Open Online Courses' system focuses on counseling techniques and child development during the crucial first thousand days of life – from conception to age two. The first training cycle for health professionals and community workers begins this month. Read also: Morocco's Court of Audit Reports Critical Gaps in Maternal, Newborn Care Morocco has made significant commitments to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the country's New Development Model. These efforts have resulted in positive results, with maternal mortality dropping by 35% between 2010 and 2016, and neonatal mortality declining by 38% during the same period. The public awareness effort includes television and radio spots in Arabic and Amazigh languages, digital content across social media platforms, and awareness sessions in healthcare facilities and Dar Al Oumouma centers. The campaign also incorporates educational messaging during Friday prayers in the mosque to increase community engagement. Health officials aim to promote optimal health practices during pregnancy and early childhood, building healthier foundations for future generations.
