Latest news with #FIFAWorldCup2030
Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Smart City Morocco: A Roadmap for Resilient, Inclusive, and Tech-Driven African Cities
Marrakech – From May 21 to 23, Morocco hosted Smart City Morocco RoadShow & Expo 2025/2030, a pivotal event in the journey toward smart, sustainable urban development. Jointly organized by Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), Casa Events & Animation, and the FIWARE Foundation, the initiative marked a dynamic convergence of innovation, research, and collaboration, driving forward the transformation of Moroccan and African cities. Held across Casablanca, Rabat, and Benguerir, this mobile forum served as a platform for cross-sector dialogue, technological demonstration, and inclusive policymaking. In alignment with the aspirations of King Mohammed VI, the event embraced the vision of resilient, connected, and equitable urban environments, all while preparing for the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup 2030, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The RoadShow kicked off in Casablanca with the 9th edition of Casablanca Smart City, themed 'Smart NexGen Cities: Innover pour une métropole durable et inclusive.' Reinforcing Morocco's role as a continental hub for smart city innovation This edition spotlighted smart mobility, large-scale infrastructure management, and civic participation. Two standout initiatives — the Casablanca Smart City Hackathon and the Village des Startups — provided fertile ground for entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators to propose and showcase solutions aimed at enhancing urban life. Rabat took center stage for the FIWARE Global Summit, hosted for the first time outside the European Union. Taking place on UM6P's Rabat campus, this segment welcomed tech leaders from companies such as Telefonica, AWS, NEC, Mitsubishi Electronics, Red Hat, and Libelium, alongside international delegations. Discussions focused on Open Source standards, digital interoperability, cybersecurity, and AI applications in public governance, reinforcing Morocco's role as a continental hub for smart city innovation. The RoadShow culminated in Benguerir with the African Smart Cities Forum, a gathering of policymakers, academics, and urban practitioners. The forum addressed structural transformation, youth employability, public-private-citizen investment models, and digital equity. Welcoming participants to the final stage, the President of UM6P delivered a forward-looking keynote, encapsulating the event's vision. 'This Roadshow was conceived as a space for d He highlighted UM6P's role as a bridge between scientific research and societal impact, underlining the importance of projects like the Digital Twin Smart Campus @UM6P, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, Dell, and Akila. Need for bottom-up collaboration In a significant policy-oriented intervention during the closing ceremony in Benguerir, Younes Sekkouri, Morocco's Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, called for smart cities to become a national and local governance priority. He emphasized the importance of bottom-up collaboration involving NGOs, corporations, startups, and institutions, noting that integrating smart city strategies into formal policy frameworks is crucial for unlocking long-term resources and impact. As Morocco prepares to introduce a new labor code supporting remote work and flexible employment, the Minister positioned smart cities as critical enablers of a more adaptive and inclusive labor ecosystem. The Smart City Morocco RoadShow & Expo 2025/2030 embodied a powerful message: the future of African cities must be co-created through inclusive governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and grounded technological innovation. With institutions like UM6P and committed policymakers like Minister Sekkouri at the helm, Morocco is not just preparing for global events; it is laying the foundation for a new, citizen-centered urban era. Tags: Benguerir MoroccoSmart citiesd UM6P
Scotsman
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Animal welfare campaigner from Edinburgh part of group forced to cancel Morocco press conference
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now An international alliance of top animal welfare organisations has been forced to cancel a major press conference in Morocco over fears for the safety of its speakers and supporters — as disturbing new evidence emerges of continued street dog killings in the country. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), which includes the RSPCA, PETA, and Dogs Trust, had planned to hold the high-profile event in Marrakech later this month to expose what it describes as the "ongoing and brutal slaughter" of stray dogs, despite official claims the killings had ceased. But organisers say the event has been called off after multiple venues backed out without explanation and local partners expressed fear of government retaliation. The cancellation has sparked fresh alarm about freedom of speech and the treatment of animals in Morocco, one of the co-hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2030. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Les Ward MBE, Chair of the IAWPC and a long-time campaigner from Edinburgh, condemned what he called 'a climate of fear' that had effectively shut down dialogue. Les Ward MBE was due to speak at the press conference in Morocco - Animal News Agency 'In the democracies of the world, free speech is taken for granted,' Mr Ward said. 'But in Morocco, if you criticise or challenge the authorities, you do so at your peril. 'We've had reports of a mother being assaulted for filming one of the dog killing teams. Her daughter was then forced to watch as they shot a group of puppies in front of her. This is state-sanctioned cruelty — and it is a public trauma.' Set to speak at the press conference were academic and co-campaigner Debbie Wilson, who splits her time between homes in Leeds and Morocco, and Mr Ward himself. Both expressed deep disappointment at being silenced on an issue they say the Moroccan government is trying to bury ahead of the global sporting spotlight. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Wilson said: 'We were not coming to condemn the Moroccan people — far from it. Most citizens are horrified by what is happening. We were coming to propose humane, science-backed solutions. But the fear is palpable, and now even speaking out has become dangerous.' The IAWPC says it continues to receive verified footage of stray dogs being gunned down or poisoned in public spaces — in direct contradiction to the Moroccan authorities' assurances to FIFA that the mass culling programme ended in August 2024. 'Despite the promises, we are still seeing dogs die agonising deaths in the streets, in full view of children and tourists,' said Mr Ward. 'This is not just an animal issue — it is a national image issue. The world is watching.' The group had planned to call for the adoption of a TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release) programme — a humane and internationally endorsed approach to controlling stray populations and eliminating rabies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The solutions exist. The compassion exists. But without political will, nothing changes,' Mr Ward added. The coalition's campaign has gained the backing of international figures such as renowned primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, French actress Brigitte Bardot, British broadcaster Chris Packham, Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan, musician Gary Numan, and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly. Despite the setback, the IAWPC says it remains committed to constructive dialogue with Moroccan authorities, FIFA, and global partners to stop the killings and implement long-term humane strategies. 'We're not giving up,' said Mr Ward. 'Morocco has a chance to show real leadership here. But time is running out.' To find out more about the campaign go to or @iawpc on Instagram
Bloomberg
08-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Casablanca Bourse Offers Derivatives as Morocco Seeks EM Return
Morocco plans to launch derivatives trading on its local marketsoon as the North African co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup seeks to win back emerging-market status. Centrally cleared instruments, including interest-rate and single-stock futures, will attract a deeper pool of investors as the nation prepares to finance a surge in infrastructure spending, Casablanca Exchange Chief Executive Officer Tarik Senhaji said.
Morocco World
06-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
STAM Wins $29.4 Million Contract for Mohammed V Airport Terminal
Doha – The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has awarded STAM (Société des travaux agricoles marocains) a contract worth MAD 294 million ($29.4 million) for earthworks at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport new terminal zone. STAM, a subsidiary of TGCC group, presented the lowest bid, beating SGTM's offer of MAD 334 million ($33.4 million). Earthworks are scheduled to begin in June, while construction of the terminal itself will start in late 2025. The project forms part of Morocco's 'Airports 2030' strategy and represents a total investment of MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion). Designed in an 'H' shape, the new terminal will feature a central core capable of handling 30,000 passengers, with expandable jetties adding capacity for another 20,000. The facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an automated baggage handling system. The project also includes a 3,700-meter parallel runway, associated taxiways, aircraft parking areas, and a new 42-meter-high control tower. Spanning 450,000 square meters, the terminal's superstructure will be built with a metal frame, while underground sections will use reinforced concrete. ONDA has opted for an Expression of Interest (EOI) approach to identify qualified companies before launching the competitive bidding process for the design-build construction. The deadline for receiving expressions of interest is set for Friday, May 16. The Moroccan government has allocated MAD 28 billion ($2.8 billion) as part of an investment program that aims to more than double the country's passenger capacity to 80 million by 2030. Read also: Morocco's Airports See Record 32.7 Million Passengers in 2024 The plan prioritizes airports in FIFA World Cup 2030 host cities—Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez—though improvements will extend to neighboring areas to promote economic development. The terminal, scheduled for completion in 2029, will significantly strengthen Morocco's position as a strategic aviation hub. It will connect directly to the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line, providing travelers quick access to major Moroccan cities. The architecture draws inspiration from Morocco's cultural identity. The design incorporates Andalusian-inspired geometric patterns, Atlas Mountain Berber carpets, and elegant medina arches into a harmonious, forward-looking vision. Gardens play a central role in the terminal design. Two tree-lined oasis areas will offer travelers a calming contrast to the contemporary architecture, creating spaces for relaxation before or after flights. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aviation contributes MAD 112 billion ($11.2 billion) to Morocco's GDP and supports 856,000 jobs, representing 7.9% of the country's economy. The sector directly employs 38,000 people, generating MAD 11 billion ($1.1 billion) in economic output. IATA Regional Vice President Kamil Al-Awadhi previously noted that 'it is no coincidence that the 'Airports 2030 Strategy' aligns with Morocco being a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.' 'Morocco will be on the world stage, which is a great incentive to be ready to show off Morocco's growing strength as an aviation hub,' he added. Tags: Airports 2030Casablanca Mohammed V airport
Zawya
27-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio to lead trade mission to Morocco
In Morocco's capital Rabat, Minister Ville Tavio will meet Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali, and Minister of Economy and Finance Faouzi Lekjaa. The discussions will focus on bilateral and trade and economic relations between Finland and Morocco. From Rabat Minister Tavio and the Finnish business representatives will travel to Casablanca. The programme for the Minister's visit includes export promotion events, such as the Finland–Morocco Business Forum organised in cooperation with the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). The Minister will also visit the largest container port on Africa's Atlantic Coast in Tangier. Key Finnish port and logistics companies have operations there. 'Morocco is an interesting market for Finnish operators and a gateway to Africa. The country is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal. This involves several infrastructure projects for which Finnish businesses have excellent solutions to offer,' Minister Tavio says. The delegation accompanying Minister Tavio on the visit was coordinated by Business Finland and consists of representatives from the following companies: AMG Technologies, Confoot, Ecosir Group, Kalmar, Metso, Nokia, Vaisala, Wirepas and Wärtsilä. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
