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Maroc
2 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
French Delegation Learns about Development Momentum in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Region
A French delegation from the municipality of Nice visited Dakhla on Tuesday to learn about the development momentum of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab and major structuring projects in the region. Led by the mayor's special Advisor of Nice, Oliver Bettati, this visit was an occasion to discover the promising potentials of the region as well as its infrastructure in different fields. "Thanks to the enlightened vision of HM the King Mohammed VI, Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region enjoys a multisectoral development momentum" , Bettati underlined in a press release at the end of a meeting with Wali of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, province governor of Oued Eddahab Ali Khalil, attended by president of communal council of Dakhla Erragheb Hormatolllah . Bettati also noted that Dakhla is now a strategic gateway open to Europe and countries of sub-Saharan Africa, positioning the region as a strategic hub. For his part, Hormatollah stated that this meeting constituted an occasion to discuss means of reinforcing bilateral relations between Dakhla and Nice and examining strategic projects, with a view to concluding a twinning agreement between both cities. Under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom's southern provinces are experiencing dynamic development in a number of sectors, he continued. On this occasion, members of the French delegation were given a presentation by the acting director of the Regional Investment Center, Ahmed Kathir, in which he detailed, with supporting figures, the development momentum of the region in different fields, the major infrastructure projects, the investment opportunities in this region and the advantages and facilities granted to investors and economic operators. The visit included meetings with several local officials, as well as field visits to inquire about the main projects underway in the region, including the port of Dakhla Atlantique and the seawater desalination plant. MAP: 16 July 2025
Morocco World
31-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Orange Corners Morocco Celebrates Youth Innovation in Beni Mellal-Khenifra
Beni Mellal — Orange Corners Morocco marked on Friday a milestone in youth entrepreneurship, celebrating the graduation of 15 startups from its six-month incubation program in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. The culminating Demo Day began at the Beni Mella-Khenifra's Regional Investment Center (CRI) headquarters, where all 15 incubated entrepreneurs presented their ventures to a distinguished jury. Each participant delivered carefully crafted pitches of the six months of intensive training. Celebrating Morocco's next generation of changemakers Participants featured their innovative solutions, market potential, and social impact, demonstrating the diverse range of projects emerging from the region, spanning sectors from sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to digital solutions and circular economy innovations. The competitive atmosphere was palpable as entrepreneurs competed not only for the prestigious funding opportunities but also for recognition as leaders in Morocco's next generation of changemakers. In the afternoon, the closing ceremony, held in Beni Mellal's City of Crafts and Competences (CMC), featured five winning entrepreneurs who secured funding through the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF). Younes Iyousfi, co-founder of Inna Ecolodge cooperative, spoke to Morocco World News (MWN) of the program's impact. Younes Lyousfi and his wife to his left, founders of Inna Ecolodge cooperative, a winner of Orange Corners Morocco prize 'Inna Ecolodge is a unique place located in the High Atlas in Ait Bougmaz, with a tourism capacity of 24 people,' he said, explaining that the 'goal of this establishment is both the economic revitalization of Ahebak village.' The startup also aims to have 'an impact on education and support young people in the village through workshops and activities throughout the year.' Another winner, Najoua Nour Eddine, founder of a carob-based natural products company, expressed her excitement about receiving the Orange Corners award. 'I'm very happy today to have won the Orange Corners prize,' she said with enthusiasm, adding that the initiative 'had already helped me a lot to improve my project, and today they will help me even more so that it becomes reality and grows.' Najoua Nour Eddine, founder of Nooja, a carob-based natural products company, and a winner of Orange Corners Morocco prize Her venture produces natural, sugar-free, and gluten-free products, including chocolate tablets and spreads made from carob. 'The project provides products that are sugar-free and don't affect the health of people with diabetes, those with gluten allergies, or anyone following a specific diet. They can eat this chocolate without any negative impact,' Najoua explained. Prizing relevance, feasibility, and social impact The winners were selected for their projects' relevance, feasibility, and societal impact. Their success story began with an overwhelming response to the program's call for applications in November 2024. From 170 initial submissions, organizers narrowed the field to 33 candidates who pitched to expert judges in December, ultimately selecting 15 startups for the intensive incubation program. Speaking to MWN on the sidelines of the event, Adil Raitab, Economic Advisor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Morocco, recalled that this edition's winners had a diversity of projects. Adil Raitab, Economic Advisor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Morocco 'Participants from the BMK region showed a sense of creativity and adaptation to our program,' he noted. For his part, the director of the CRI in Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, Adil Azmi, pointed out that this 'truly ignites the potential of young talents, their creativity, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their sense of challenge and ambition.' Most entrepreneurs 'are full of hope, energy, and enthusiasm,' he noted, adding that it is high time for the CRI as 'ecosystem actors to help them to succeed in their projects.' Adil Azmi, the director of the CRI in Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. On the right of the photo Implemented by Bidaya, Morocco's leading social-environmental startup incubator, the program provided participants with monthly allowances of MAD 3,000 ($300), prototyping grants of MAD 20,000 ($2,000), and access to comprehensive mentorship. The Beni Mellal program focused on priority sectors including water, energy, agriculture, and circular economy solutions – areas crucial for Morocco's sustainable development goals. Since its founding in 2015, Bidaya has supported over 500 projects nationwide, facilitating €3.5 million in total financing. Notably, 45% of supported projects are led by women entrepreneurs, reflecting the program's commitment to gender equality. This initiative reinforces Morocco's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in regions outside major urban centers, demonstrating how international partnerships can effectively empower local talent and drive economic development.
Morocco World
14-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Spain's La Oliva, Laayoune Strengthen Cooperation, Push for Maritime Link
Doha – A Spanish delegation from La Oliva municipality in Fuerteventura arrived in Laayoune on Tuesday to explore collaborative ventures in tourism, commerce, and culture. La Oliva Mayor Isai Blanco Marrero led the visiting team during their official engagement. The delegation sought to deepen economic and cultural relations between Fuerteventura and Morocco's southern provinces. Following discussions with Abdeslam Bekrate, Wali of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Mayor Blanco addressed the press about their strategic geographical positioning. 'This visit aims to further consolidate economic and cultural cooperation between Fuerteventura and Morocco's southern provinces given their strategic positions, as a gateway to Africa for the Canary Islands,' Blanco Marrero told reporters. He discussed Fuerteventura's economic foundation in agriculture, maritime fishing, and tourism, drawing attention to the striking similarities between the Canary Islands and Morocco's southern territories in terms of climate conditions, population demographics, and available natural resources. The mayor articulated his commitment to fostering productive bilateral cooperation, particularly through the development and implementation of local and regional programs where mutual benefits could be realized. At Laayoune municipality, the Spanish delegates attended a comprehensive presentation detailing the commune's development initiatives and ongoing projects established under the new development framework for southern provinces inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in 2015. The session also clarified the critical role played by the elected council in managing local affairs. Mohamed Jifer, Director of the Regional Investment Center (CRI), provided the delegation with an in-depth analysis of the region's economic landscape. His data-supported presentation covered the area's productive sectors from fishing and agricultural activities to renewable energy developments, with particular attention to the substantial potential for green hydrogen production and its derivatives. Read also: Occitanie Region Becomes First in France to Partner with Morocco's Dakhla Jifer's briefing encompassed the region's macroeconomic indicators, competitive advantages, diverse land offerings, multi-sectoral project portfolios, and various structural developments shaping the territory. He also elaborated on the CRI's expanded responsibilities and its function in promoting regional investment opportunities. Both Moroccan and Spanish representatives stressed the necessity of restoring the maritime connection between Tarfaya port and Fuerteventura. According to them, this route would serve as a catalyst for commercial exchanges between Morocco and the Canary Islands, opening new economic channels across the Atlantic. 'This maritime link represents not only a means to connect two geographical points, but also a true economic bridge enhancing integration between the Moroccan region and the Spanish islands,' reported Canarian media sources. Blanco reflected on the profound historical bonds uniting the regions. 'Many of our island's inhabitants lived and were born in the Sahara during Spanish rule. Therefore, a deep human and historical connection exists between us, and today we seek to strengthen it,' the mayor remarked. Throughout their stay, the Spanish officials conducted extensive field visits to numerous socio-educational facilities, economic enterprises, cultural institutions, and sports complexes. These tours allowed them to directly observe the sustained development efforts transforming the region into an integrated economic hub. This visit follows last October's commitment by Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, who reaffirmed his government's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara during a session of the regional parliament. Clavijo had previously declared during his visit to Rabat that his government fully aligns with Spain's policy regarding the region.
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Hungary Ambassador Visits Dakhla as Companies Explore Investment Opportunities
Rabat – Hungary has taken a strong step in supporting Morocco's position on Western Sahara, as its Ambassador to Rabat, Miklós Tromler, began a three-day visit to Dakhla, a key city in Morocco's southern provinces. The visit, which runs from May 12 to 14, reflects Hungary's growing political support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. The plan has received increasing international backing, including from the United States and France. During his visit, Tromler is scheduled to meet with high-ranking local officials, including the Wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the Director General of the Regional Investment Center (CRI), members of the Regional Council, and the Regional Delegate of Tourism. His schedule also includes visits to major development projects such as the construction site of the Dakhla Atlantic Port, the local artisanal complex, and the seawater desalination plant. Hungary Looks to Invest in Dakhla Speaking to the press in Dakhla on Monday, Tromler said Hungarian companies are increasingly interested in investing in the region, which he described as 'a beautiful area full of potential and key development projects.' He noted that some Hungarian businesses are considering establishing operations in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, attracted by its growth and the opportunities it offers in areas like tourism, agriculture, fishing, and renewable energy. Tromler commended the openness and responsiveness of local authorities, who he said are helping to create real partnerships with Moroccan economic operators. The ambassador, accompanied by his economic and commercial advisor, noted the region's dynamic development and its strategic value for future economic cooperation. He also noted that Morocco became Hungary's top trade partner in Africa in 2023. 'This strategic partnership, based on mutual respect, opens the door to new areas of collaboration,' Tromler stated. The visit carries strong political meaning. By traveling to Dakhla, Tromler joins a growing list of international diplomats who have made similar trips to Morocco's Western Sahara region. Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó recently instructed the ambassador to make the visit as a show of support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara. After meeting his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Budapest last month, Szijjártó reaffirmed Hungary's support for the Autonomy Plan as the best solution under the UN framework. Hungary aligns with countries like the US and France, which view Morocco's initiative as serious and credible, he announced, stressing that the Hungarian embassy in Rabat will provide consular services to all Moroccan citizens across the North African country. Tags: hungary MoroccoWestern sahara
Morocco World
26-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
French Delegation Visits Dakhla to Explore Business Opportunities, Strengthen Cooperation
Rabat – A French delegation, led by the Mayor of Montpellier Michael Delafosse, visited the southern Moroccan city of Dakhla on Friday to explore business opportunities and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the two regions. During the visit, the French delegation learned about major development projects and discovered the economic potential of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region. The visit also focused on plans to boost cooperation between the city of Dakhla and Montpellier, with a cooperation and friendship agreement expected to be signed soon. Speaking to the press, Delafosse commended the development of the region under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. He said that the long-standing relations between Morocco and France are gaining new momentum, driven by the shared commitment of the two countries' leaders. He added that local governments and economic, cultural, and sports actors will help strengthen this cooperation even further. Delafosse announced that the upcoming agreement will focus on supporting water sports, promoting cultural exchange through festivals, and encouraging sustainable economic projects, especially in renewable energy. Meanwhile, the President of Dakhla's local council, Erragheb Hormatallah, said that the visit aims to build strong, practical ties between the two cities. He added that the cooperation agreement is part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral relations, especially after France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara region. Morocco-France relations gained new momentum after French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, as well as endorsed its Autonomy Plan. During their stay, the French delegation held meetings with senior officials, including the Secretary-General of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Abdelrazzak El Kourji, and Vice President of the Regional Council, Moulay Boutal El M'Barki, as well as Monir El Houari, Director of the Regional Investment Center. The delegation was informed about the region's development in different sectors and ongoing major infrastructure projects aimed at connecting the region and boosting its potential. They also explored investment opportunities and the incentives available for investors. As part of the visit, the delegation toured several important sites, including the construction site of Dakhla Atlantic Port, the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions, and the future site of MGH Energie, a company specializing in green energy and e-fuel production.
