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PAM Leadership Receives Jacob Zuma
PAM Leadership Receives Jacob Zuma

Morocco World

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Morocco World

PAM Leadership Receives Jacob Zuma

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, coordinator of PAM's collective leadership, which also includes Minister of Culture Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, met with Zuma to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation and partnership between the two political formations and their respective countries on various matters of mutual interest. Speaking to the press following the meeting, Zuma described the talks with PAM officials as 'fruitful and forward-looking,' highlighting the leading roles Morocco and South Africa can play in advancing development across the African continent. Zuma also commended Morocco's economic progress, describing the country as one of the most dynamic economies on the continent. He further emphasized the need for African countries to unite, take ownership of their development and destiny, and fully leverage their resources free from foreign interference. Zuma stressed the importance of engaging younger generations in shaping Africa's future, noting that the two parties agreed to exchange visits and establish a platform for dialogue and consultation on issues of shared concern. In a similar statement, El Mansouri said the meeting formed part of parallel diplomacy efforts aimed at bolstering cooperative ties, particularly with countries in southern Africa. She noted that the approach aligns with the far-sighted vision of King Mohammed VI to strengthen South-South cooperation as a strategic choice for the Kingdom, to build a shared future based on cooperation, solidarity, and integration among peoples. El Mansouri also noted that the position expressed by Zuma's party in support of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara represents a major boost to joint efforts between the two countries and their respective political forces. Earlier in the week, following his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita, Zuma said his party considers Morocco's autonomy plan 'a pathway to meaningful local governance for the populations of the Sahara region, while preserving Morocco's sovereignty over the territory.' MWN with MAP

Housing Support Program Benefits 48,000 Recipients, Injects $380 Million
Housing Support Program Benefits 48,000 Recipients, Injects $380 Million

Morocco World

time29-04-2025

  • Business
  • Morocco World

Housing Support Program Benefits 48,000 Recipients, Injects $380 Million

Doha – Morocco's Direct Housing Support Program has reached 48,000 beneficiaries since its launch in January 2024, with funding totaling MAD 3.8 billion ($380 million), according to Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, Minister of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy. Speaking at the House of Representatives during an oral questions session on Monday, El Mansouri revealed that the program has received over 128,500 applications, including 22% from Moroccans residing abroad. '54% of beneficiaries received support valued at MAD 70,000 ($7,000), while 46% obtained MAD 100,000 ($10,000), covering at least one-third of housing acquisition costs for this category,' the minister stated. The program, which began on January 2, 2024, rests on five key pillars, moving from tax exemptions to direct consumer purchasing power support. It aims to enable low and middle-income families to access housing while diversifying residential offerings to include both apartments and individual houses. Read also: Morocco's Housing, Medical Support Programs Reached Milestones in 2024 El Mansouri noted that the initiative has eliminated the previous requirement of building 500 units to qualify for benefits, thus encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to participate. 'More than 80% of companies involved are classified as small and medium enterprises, breaking the monopoly that large corporations previously held over housing programs,' she said. The economic impact has been significant, with cement consumption increasing by 11.64% in February compared to the same period last year. Housing loans rose by 2%, while loans to property developers increased by 6.62%. Geographically, beneficiaries are concentrated in three main regions: Casablanca-Settat (35%), Fez-Meknes (31%), and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (12%). The minister added that the program has addressed housing needs in cities that had received insufficient benefits from previous initiatives, including Fez, Settat, El Jadida, Benslimane, Oujda, Berkane, and Taza. She also mentioned that the digitization of the application process has simplified procedures and ensured transparency in the distribution of benefits. 'In addition to this program, the new approach to combating slums has revitalized the social housing program, allowing us to reach 90,000 government-supported units in 2024,' El Mansouri concluded. Tags: Direct Housing Assistancehousing in Morocco

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