Tourism : Africa attracts Muslim tavelers, France loses ground
The latest report, which now includes 153 countries, shows a notable decline in the appeal of several Western destinations. Countries such as France, Switzerland, Belgium, and even the United States are absent from this year's ranking. Meanwhile, nations like Kenya, New Zealand, and Lebanon are gaining prominence.
The Asia-Pacific and African regions continue to rise in popularity. Malaysia, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia remain firmly at the top of the list.
In 2024, Muslim tourists took nearly 176 million trips, an increase of over 25% compared to the previous year. By 2030, that number is expected to grow to 245 million, representing a market valued at $230 billion.
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Morocco World
4 days ago
- Morocco World
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Casablanca – In a significant policy shift, Germany has announced the suspension of all arms exports to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, citing deepening concerns over the humanitarian toll of Israel's expanding genocidal campaign. Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the decision on Friday, following Israel's latest move to take full control of Gaza city, a step that has sparked international outrage and fears of further civilian suffering. 'Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,' Merz stated in a press release. Berlin's announcement marks a rare public rebuke of Israel from one of its closest European allies. While reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense and the goal of dismantling Hamas, Merz warned that the scale of the current offensive makes it increasingly difficult to see how these objectives can be achieved without worsening the humanitarian crisis. Germany, traditionally one of Israel's top military partners in Europe, has come under increasing domestic and international pressure to reevaluate its role in the war. From October 2023 to May 2025, Berlin approved arms exports to Israel worth €485 million. Growing discontent among Israel's Western allies The freeze applies to new export licenses and affects equipment deemed usable in the Gaza conflict. Deliveries from previous deals may still proceed, though Merz suggested these could also be paused depending on the intended use. In his statement, Merz called on Israel to ensure 'full access for humanitarian aid' and emphasized its responsibility for the wellbeing of Gaza's civilian population. He also issued a sharp warning against any steps toward the annexation of the occupied West Bank, referencing the Israeli parliament's symbolic vote in July supporting annexation plans. The decision comes as the war in Gaza enters its 22nd month, with over 197 reported deaths from malnutrition alone, according to local health authorities. A UN-backed report has warned that famine is unfolding in the enclave, with aid agencies struggling to reach affected populations. Despite Germany's continued diplomatic support for a hostage release and long-term ceasefire negotiations, the move signals growing discontent among Western partners with Israel's current strategy, particularly as civilian casualties mount and aid access remains severely restricted.
Morocco World
24-07-2025
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Gabon Shifts Student Scholarships to Morocco in Major Educational Reform
Marrakech – Gabon's government has announced that starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, scholarships for studies abroad will be awarded only for priority fields while favoring strategic destinations like Morocco. The announcement came through a statement from Elisabeth Désirée Mboumba Lassy, Director General of Gabon's National Scholarship Agency (ANBG), broadcast on national television 'Gabon 1ère.' The reform follows direct instructions from Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. Priority fields identified include raw material processing, agronomy and food security, digital technology, aeronautics, renewable energy, and medical specialties. These sectors are deemed critical for the country's national development strategy. Morocco has been explicitly named as a preferred destination for Gabonese scholarship students. The North African country, along with Senegal, is considered more 'financially sustainable' compared to Western countries like France, Canada, and the United States. The cost factor appears crucial in this decision. According to official figures provided by local media, the average cost per student in Morocco is CFA 5,504,000 ($9,174), while in Senegal it amounts to CFA 3,172,000 ($5,287). These figures contrast sharply with costs in Western countries: CFA 8,505,000 ($14,175) in France, CFA 13,928,000 ($23,213) in Canada, and CFA 24,405,000 ($40,675) in the United States. 'Those who go to the United States or Canada never come back' President Oligui Nguema has been forthright about his concerns regarding students who study in Western countries. 'Those who go to the United States or Canada never come back,' he stated, continuing that students sent to Morocco, Senegal, or Ghana are more likely to return to Gabon after completing their studies. The reform aims to address brain drain, with the president questioning the value of providing scholarships to Gabonese students who ultimately remain abroad. According to government sources, more than 70% of Gabonese graduates from Western countries do not return to serve their nation. The government defends this policy as responsible, patriotic, and socially just. Officials argue that financing a minority of students in countries with exorbitant living costs is economically irrational and socially unjust, as one Western scholarship equals approximately ten scholarships in countries like Morocco. The president has announced more radical measures to take effect by 2026, stating that no scholarships will be awarded for studies in the United States, Canada, and France. This decision has generated some controversy, with former Prime Minister Bilie By Nze reportedly criticizing it as 'anti-social and undemocratic.' Gabonese authorities maintain that partner universities in Africa (Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa) provide competitive training adapted to continental realities at much lower costs. The government considers this choice 'strategic realism' rather than a withdrawal. The reform is part of a broader educational policy shift by the Committee for Transition and Renewal (CTRI). Officials state that savings from this measure will be reinvested in modernizing Gabonese universities, expanding local scholarship programs, and creating regional centers of excellence networked with Africa. This reorientation strengthens Morocco's position as an African educational hub, particularly in South-South relations with Central African countries. Tags: african students in MoroccoMorocco and Gabon
Morocco World
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Liam Fox Celebrates UK-Morocco Strong Relations, Calls for Deeper Cooperation
Rabat – Liam Fox, Former UK defense and international trade secretary, has commended the upward trend in cooperation between Morocco and the UK. In an opinion to the National, Fox emphasized the importance of the UK's newfound position, welcoming the decision of his country to endorse Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute. The UK made its decision on June 1, during Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Rabat. In a joint statement, the UK declares that 'it is ready, willing, and determined to provide active support and engagement with the Personal Envoy and with the parties involved,' noting that it shares Morocco's view on the urgent need for a resolution for the longstanding dispute. In his opinion published today, Fox said that the UK's decision brings his country into line 'with allies such as the United States, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the UAE, who recognize Morocco to be a trusted and dependable ally and a lynchpin for regional security in the Sahel.' Emphasizing Morocco's assets as a strong and oldest ally to the UK, the UK politician emphasized how the Moroccan autonomy initiative represents the 'only credible and pragmatic solution to the issue.' In his opinion, Fox recalled the opportunities his country could seize through a strong partnership with Morocco, including the Dakhla Atlantic Port. 'The UK has an opportunity to make the most of the new trade and economic opportunities underpinned by the security outlined in the Autonomy Plan,' he said, adding that a strong partnership between the two countries comes at a critical moment, citing instability in the region. 'The risks of instability in the region are not limited to migration, a lack of investment, and terrorism, but as the world is looking towards the Middle East, another Iranian proxy has been allowed to strengthen in West Africa,' he wrote. Fox has been among the international experts and politicians who have been urging the international community to stand against the terror threats posed by the Polisario separatist group. Earlier this year, Fox described Polisario as an 'Iranian proxy organization', urging Western governments to move quickly to designate it as a terrorist group. Many politicians, including US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, joined the international campaign urging their countries to label the separatist group as a terrorist organization. In April, the congressman said he would introduce legislation to that effect, and later officially submitted the bill to US Congress ini June. Fox recalled his earlier appeal during the new opinion, noting how the Polisario Front has links to Iran and other terrorist organizations that should 'worry those committed to stability.' 'The Polisario has pursued a state of disorder, instability, and chaos which aligns with the Russian, Iranian, and Chinese approach to the Sahel,' he said. The former UK secretary also mentioned the Polisario's attacks on civilian infrastructure in Es-Semara, which marked a series of similar terrorist acts from the separatist group to undermine Morocco's security. Tags: algeria ad polisarioAlgeria and the Western Sahara
