logo
Rabat to Introduce Electric Buses Under $13M Korea-Morocco Partnership

Rabat to Introduce Electric Buses Under $13M Korea-Morocco Partnership

Morocco World22-03-2025

Rabat – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the City Council of Rabat have signed an agreement to introduce a sustainable public transportation system in the Moroccan capital.
The $13 million project, funded by KOICA, will bring eco-friendly electric buses to Rabat and promote green transportation awareness, the agency said in a press release.
The initiative will also benefit from Korean expertise in sustainable mobility by ensuring the successful adoption of advanced solutions, added the statement. The project is set to run from 2025 to 2028.
The agreement was signed by KOICA's Country Director in Morocco Hyewon Cho and Rabat's Mayor Fatiha El Moudni. The agency said that the partnership strengthens cooperation between Korea and Morocco in promoting environmentally friendly transport.
'Both parties are committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the project and maximizing its impact on sustainable urban transportation in Rabat,' added the statement.
Hyewon Cho said that KOICA is 'fully prepared to be a leading partner in support of the eco-friendly initiatives of the city of Rabat and is eager to provide the electric buses for the citizens of Rabat at the earliest opportunity.'
She added that the Rabat city council is set to provide full administrative support to complete the necessary approvals for importing the buses.
Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour recently revealed that the country is set to purchase 7,000 buses in preparation for upcoming major sports events, including the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Mezzour said that the Ministry of Interior recently launched the first call for tenders to acquire 1,317 buses, including 30 electric buses. The government aims to make half of the remaining fleet electric as part of Morocco's transition to greener transportation, he stressed. Tags: busesElectric BusRabat

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label
Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label

Morocco World

time5 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label

Doha – The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded Blue Flag certification to 33 Moroccan sites during the 2025 summer season, according to a statement from the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection (FM6E). The sites include 28 beaches, four marinas, and one mountain lake. The certification, which evaluates environmental management standards at bathing areas, places Morocco 21st globally among 50 participating countries. According to the foundation's data, this positioning makes Morocco the leading Arab country and second in Africa for Blue Flag certifications. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have maintained their status for 2025, with Sol beach in Tanger-Assilah province joining the list as a new addition. The foundation attributes this consistency to the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, economic partners, and community organizations. Aguelmam Azigza mountain lake in Khénifra National Park has renewed its certification. Located between a majestic cliff and a forest of century-old cedars, this Middle Atlas jewel has undergone development. Improvements include road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services, making it the first natural lake in Morocco to receive this recognition. Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth Moroccan marina to receive Blue Flag status, following Saïdia (2018), Est Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceima (2023). With 1,400 berths, it has reportedly been the largest marina in the country since its 2018 opening as part of the Tangier port redevelopment. The Blue Flag label is based on four fundamental criteria: bathing water quality, environmental information and awareness, hygiene and safety, and sustainable development and management. Surprise inspections are conducted throughout the summer to verify compliance with these standards. All Blue Flag-labeled beaches are integrated into the 'Clean Beaches' program, which mobilizes 68 local authorities (supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities), 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations each summer. The program collaborates with several institutional partners, including the National Laboratory for Pollution Studies and Monitoring, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ports and Maritime Public Domain Directorate. This coordinated network works for nearly three months during the summer period to improve beach facilities, monitor sand and bathing water quality, ensure safety and health services, and raise awareness among vacationers about environmental issues. For the 2025 cycle, the foundation received 45 beach applications, suggesting increased interest in the certification process among coastal municipalities. Created in 1987 by the FEE, the Blue Flag has become the most prestigious environmental label worldwide. In 2025, 5,195 sites across the globe are part of the Blue Flag global network, with 95% (4,928 sites) located in the northern hemisphere. Read also: 93% of Moroccan Beach Waters Meet Quality Standards

Morocco's Industrial Exports Reached $43.8 Billion in 2024
Morocco's Industrial Exports Reached $43.8 Billion in 2024

Morocco World

time9 hours ago

  • Morocco World

Morocco's Industrial Exports Reached $43.8 Billion in 2024

Rabat – Morocco's industrial exports have multiplied more than fivefold since the early 2000s, Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour said on Wednesday. He made his remarks during a discussion session, exploring the theme 'Macroeconomic Policies, Investment Climate, and Employment Dynamics in Morocco.' The event is part of a national conference organized by the thematic working group responsible for evaluating public policies related to investment and employment in the House of Councillors. During the presentation, the minister said industrial exports reached around MAD 398 billion ($43.8 billion) in 2024, equivalent to 88% of the country's total exports, pointing out that the foreign direct investment targeting the industrial sector has tripled over the last decade. The FDI reached MAD 16.5 billion ($1.8 billion) in 2024, noting that this reflects the 'growing confidence of international investors in the Moroccan economy and its status as a prime investment destination.' Mohamed Taamouti, Director of Economic Studies at Bank Al Mahghrib, stressed the significant efforts Morocco made in the investment sector, noting that Morocco allocates about 30% of its GDP to investment. The number is compared to a global average of about 25.2%, demonstrating a clear commitment to developing and strengthening economic and social infrastructure. Investment, accelerated growth, and job creation are major challenges for both developed and developing countries, Taamouti said. For his part, the director of Studies and Financial Forecast Adil Hidane emphasized the importance of a good business climate to achieve sustainable economic growth, stressing the central role of investment in both the public and private sectors. Morocco has made significant progress in improving the business climate in recent years, Hidane said, highlighting King Mohammed VI's vision that has enabled the progress of the industry and raised investment attractiveness as a national priority. Among the sectors Morocco is boosting is the automotive industry. Earlier this month, Minister Mezzour said that the country's goal is to increase production to reach 107,000 electric vehicles by the end of 2025. He said that Morocco's automotive production stands at 700,000 vehicles, with an ambition to produce one million vehicles by the end of the year. Between 2014 and 2018, the sector created at least 116,000 jobs. Morocco is the first automotive manufacturer in Africa. Tags: Industrial Acceleration Planindustrial activity

Lamine Yamal named visa ambassador for FIFA World Cup 2026
Lamine Yamal named visa ambassador for FIFA World Cup 2026

Ya Biladi

time9 hours ago

  • Ya Biladi

Lamine Yamal named visa ambassador for FIFA World Cup 2026

FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has been appointed the new global ambassador for Visa ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26, which will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. To mark this symbolic milestone and build excitement around what promises to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, Visa will offer exclusive experiences to Visa cardholders. These include meet-and-greet opportunities with Lamine Yamal in Barcelona and signed memorabilia ahead of the 2026 tournament, according to a press release. «Lamine represents the future of football: bold, promising, and full of fresh energy», said Tarek Abdalla, Visa's Chief Marketing Officer for the CEMEA region. «At Visa, we are constantly looking for new ways to connect with fans through the power of sport. As Visa's FIFA World Cup ambassador, Lamine reflects the spirit and passion of the beautiful game, inspiring millions of fans worldwide». «Football is more than a sport, it's a source of joy and a way to bring people together across the world. I'm proud to team up with Visa to share that passion and inspire others through sport», said Yamal. A football prodigy, Lamine Yamal continues to captivate the global stage with record-breaking performances. Known for his agility, speed, and vision on the field, the Moroccan-Spanish player is widely regarded as a rising global star and a symbol of a new generation in football.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store