Latest news with #AMDIE
Ya Biladi
an hour ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco partners with Onepoint to create AI center of excellence in Casablanca Settat region
A memorandum of understanding was signed Tuesday in Rabat to establish a Center of Excellence in Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Casablanca-Settat region. The agreement brings together several Moroccan ministries, the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), and French tech company Onepoint. The protocol was signed by Amal El Fellah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform; Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade; Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate for Investment; Ali Seddiki, Director General of AMDIE; and David Layani, founder and president of Onepoint. Part of the «Morocco Digital 2030» strategy, this initiative aims to equip the Kingdom with cutting-edge technological infrastructure to support public service modernization, digital innovation, and the competitiveness of the national industrial sector. Minister Seghrouchni described the agreement as a major milestone in Morocco's ambition to become a premier destination for high-value-added offshoring, highlighting the country's growing digital and industrial appeal. The project plans to recruit 500 Moroccan engineers and build advanced skills in strategic tech fields such as AI, data processing, and middleware. According to Seghrouchni, it will also bolster Morocco's digital sovereignty and provide local talent with opportunities to contribute to global-scale projects. Minister Mezzour noted that the agreement reflects international confidence in Morocco's industrial, human, and digital potential. He emphasized that Casablanca-Settat's growing tech appeal makes it an ideal hub for Industry 4.0, especially for supporting digitalization among small and medium-sized industrial enterprises and enhancing cybersecurity. Minister Zidane added that the alliance demonstrates investor trust in Morocco's digital transformation and human capital development. He stressed the center's role in positioning Morocco as a continental tech hub, creating qualified jobs, and supporting national priorities in innovation, investment, and digital sovereignty. David Layani confirmed plans to hire 500 Moroccan talents over the next four years to help tackle major AI challenges. He also highlighted the importance of middleware-based solutions to enable secure, integrated digital expansion across sectors.
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Airbus Seeks to Expand Partnership with Morocco's Growing Aviation Sector
Rabat — European aircraft manufacturer Airbus wants to strengthen its presence in Morocco, where the aviation sector offers 'plenty of opportunities,' according to the company's executive vice president for international affairs. Wouter Van Wersch made these comments to reporters after meeting with Moroccan officials at the 55th Paris Air Show, held from June 16-22 in the French capital's suburbs. 'We have a long-standing presence in Morocco. The Kingdom serves as a very close partner to Airbus,' Van Wersch told the press following discussions with the Moroccan delegation at Le Bourget. The Airbus executive described the talks with Moroccan representatives as 'excellent' and noted both sides share a common desire to deepen the company's presence and collaboration with Morocco. The European manufacturer now employs nearly 2,000 people in the country following its recent acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' Casablanca facility. High-level Moroccan delegation visits Airbus stand The Moroccan delegation at the Airbus stand included several key government ministers: Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh, Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour, Deputy Minister for Investment Karim Zidane, and Ali Seddiki, Director General of Morocco's Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE). Minister Mezzour focused on the strategic agreements linking Morocco to Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers. 'We work together on future prospects for the Moroccan platform,' he said. 'Airbus just bought the Spirit factory that makes aircraft fuselages, particularly for the A220, in Nouaceur,' Mezzour explained, adding that both parties work toward achieving the goal of establishing 'final aircraft assembly in Morocco.' Morocco prepares for major aviation expansion Deputy Minister Zidane pointed out that the meeting with Airbus executives comes at the right time as Morocco prepares to host major international events, particularly the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. He said that Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco's national carrier, plans to expand its fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037. For this 'large market' that already attracts interest from global aviation leaders, the Moroccan government insists on 'win-win partnerships.' 'Airbus understands this challenge. We want the group to invest part of its aviation investments in Morocco for technology transfer and know-how sharing,' Zidane said. He welcomed Airbus's willingness to invest more in Morocco. Transport Minister Kayouh also described the meeting as 'very productive,' especially regarding RAM's fleet expansion plans. He stressed the importance of new technologies to 'meet needs, particularly with Casablanca's new hub, which will become a true international and African hub.' Morocco's aviation industry strengths AMDIE Director General Seddiki spoke of Morocco's advantages, noting that the country can 'secure the European group and support its strong production increase' thanks to its skilled workforce, quality human capital, world-class infrastructure, and comprehensive industrial strategy. At the Paris Air Show, AMDIE partnered with the Moroccan Aerospace Industries Group (GIMAS) to set up a Morocco pavilion hosting six Moroccan companies. The pavilion features the expertise and dynamism of the national aerospace industry. Through its participation in this major aviation event, Morocco aims to promote the aerospace sector's strengths and opportunities while enhancing the country's attractiveness to industry professionals. Over the past 20 years, Morocco has successfully built a diversified and competitive aerospace industry. The sector features global leaders including Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Hexcel, Eaton, Alcoa, Le Piston Français, Daher, Collins Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney. Tags: AirbusMoroccan Aerospace IndustryRAM
Morocco World
23-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Karim Zidane Represents King at US-Africa Business Summit in Angola
Marrakech – Karim Zidane, Morocco's Investment Minister, is representing King Mohammed VI at the 17th US-Africa Business Summit that opened Monday in Luanda, Angola. Zidane heads a significant delegation of public and private sector leaders, including officials from the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), and the National Railway Office (ONCF). The delegation also includes representatives from the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), MEDZ, MARSA Maroc, and Moroccan banks. The summit has drawn more than 1,500 participants, including African heads of state, ministers, economic and political decision-makers, and private sector representatives. The gathering serves as a major platform for economic dialogue and building sustainable strategic partnerships between the United States and the continent's emerging powerhouses. Morocco's participation aligns with King Mohammed VI's directives to strengthen the North African country's economic partnerships with African countries and international partners. The delegation aims to showcase reforms undertaken by Rabat to enhance its economic attractiveness, particularly the implementation of the new Investment Charter. The Moroccan representatives will promote opportunities in strategic sectors including renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, aeronautics, agro-industry, and green technologies. Morocco offers investors incentives that can reach up to 30% of the total investment amount through direct subsidies based on project characteristics, geographical location, and sector. The country also provides tax exemptions for new companies or those established in specific zones. With more than 40% of its energy mix coming from renewable sources, Morocco has built major solar and wind projects, including the Noor project in Ouarzazate. The automotive sector has become the country's leading export sector, with a complete ecosystem that includes two manufacturers (Renault and Stellantis) and more than 250 major international suppliers. Morocco holds a unique strategic advantage as one of only nine countries worldwide with free trade agreements with both the United States and the European Union, offering investors preferential access to two of the largest global markets. The North African country's foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by 55% in 2024, reaching $1.64 billion compared to $1.05 billion in 2023. The free trade agreement with the United States, in effect since 2006, has significantly boosted bilateral trade, which increased sixfold from $1.3 billion in 2006 to $7.2 billion in 2023. In 2024, US goods exports to Morocco reached $5.3 billion, representing a 37.3% rise from the previous year, while US imports from Morocco totaled $1.9 billion, with a 12.3% increase from 2023, making the Maghreb country one of America's main trading partners in Africa. Tags: Karim ZidaneMorocco and AfricaMorocco and the US
Ya Biladi
23-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Karim Zidane represents King Mohammed VI at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit
The Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies, Karim Zidane, is representing King Mohammed VI at the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, which opened on Monday in Luanda, Angola. Zidane is leading a Moroccan delegation that includes senior officials and leaders from both the public and private sectors, such as the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), the National Railways Office (ONCF), the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), along with MEDZ, MARSA Maroc, and representatives from Moroccan banks. Morocco's participation aims to showcase the country's ongoing economic reforms, particularly the implementation of its new Investment Charter, which seeks to boost the kingdom's attractiveness in key sectors such as renewable energy, automotive, aerospace, agro-industry, and green technologies. In this spirit of partnership, Morocco is positioning itself as a key player in global value chains, drawing on its strong economic ties and sustainable partnership with the United States, reinforced by the Free Trade Agreement in place since 2006. With over 1,500 participants—including heads of state, ministers, business leaders, and policymakers—the Summit serves as a major platform for economic dialogue and the development of lasting strategic partnerships between the United States and African nations.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘In order to build the future of Europe, we need to focus on Africa', says AMDIE
Morocco had the fifth highest GDP in Africa in 2024, according to Statista. At the same time, S&P Global Ratings upgraded the country's credit rating to BB+ with a positive outlook, replacing the previously stable outlook. This gives the country the third highest rating on the continent, after Botswana and Mauritius, which are the only nations to achieve 'investment grade status'. According to S&P, the BB+ status denotes an expectation that 'the Kingdom will strengthen its track record of implementing reforms to support growth and reduce its deficits.' This aligns with the country's conscious efforts to attract foreign direct investment and establish itself as a gateway between Europe and Africa. In this episode of The Big Question, Euronews' business editor Angela Barnes is joined by Ali Seddiki, general director of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), to discuss the country's future role in the global economy. As Europe grapples with competitiveness challenges and uncertainty over its future economic relationship with the US, it is crucial for the bloc to explore other strategic partnerships. 'When we discuss with our European counterparts, we understand that green and ESG-compatible industries are important for Europeans. They are also looking for additional cost-efficiency, competitiveness, and also for future markets,' Mr Sedikki told The Big Question. 'Africa is also the market of the future [...] and clearly we think that Morocco is part of the solution for the European companies.' Related Stability is the key to investment, says Moroccan Minister Zidane Morocco's Investment Charter, first introduced in 2022, seeks 'to raise the share of private investment to two-thirds of total investment by 2035.' The charter implemented investment support mechanisms, an improved business climate by simplifying processes and bureaucracy, improved governance so all regions can benefit, tax incentives and legal safeguards. 'It works on creating a suitable environment for investors, less bureaucracy, more efficiency,' Mr Sedikki explained. The country also created a Ministry for Investors and AMDIE 'to help investors and provide end-to-end services and we work as a one-stop shop for any kind of investor,' he added. Related The Big Question: What will it mean for Europe if Trump's tariffs resume? 'That would be a huge mistake', fashion alliance fears 'watering down' of environmental legislation Morocco has a growing green energy industry, with a particular focus on wind and solar. The Kingdom is aiming to source at least 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, positioning itself as a regional leader in the energy transition in Africa. 'What we want to make sure of is that this potential is used to positively impact the Moroccan economy,' Mr Seddiki noted. 'We have a great young population entering the job market, that's a huge opportunity, but also it's a challenge, we need to create jobs. So now the strategy is how can we leverage our natural, sustainable resources in order to create sustainable jobs for our young people entering the job market?' The Big Question is a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today's agenda. Watch the video above to see the full discussion with the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
