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Morocco World
an hour ago
- Business
- Morocco World
2030 FIFA World Cup: Morocco, UK Agree on Strategic Cooperation
Rabat – Morocco and the UK have taken a step forward in their growing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Sale to bolster preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The agreement brings together Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy. It opens the door to closer collaboration in key areas tied to the tournament, sports infrastructure, transport systems, and economic development. Speaking from Rabat, Lammy noted the UK's interest in forging new business links across sectors. 'Growth and prosperity will underpin our relationship with Morocco and beyond, helping forge new opportunities at home and abroad,' he stated, outlining London's broader approach to international alliances. In a notable geopolitical development, Lammy's visit also marked the UK's official announcement of its full support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible and pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara. Douglas Alexander, UK Minister for Trade Policy, also pointed to Morocco's growing importance for his country as well as in larger global geopolitics. He said the country stands out as a key gateway for British business, especially as the UK seeks to expand its footprint in emerging markets. 'Morocco is becoming an increasingly important trade and investment partner for the UK,' he noted. At the heart of this agreement lies the shared goal to turn the 2030 FIFA World Cup into more than a global sporting event. The two countries strive to make it a platform for opportunity, economic, social, and cultural. The UK has pledged to share its technical expertise and to connect Moroccan partners with British businesses working within major international events. From stadiums to transport networks and event management systems, the collaboration promises to shape the tournament's foundations well before kickoff. This initiative also reflects a broader national vision in Morocco. The country views sport as a gateway to development and a bridge to the world. The 2030 FIFA World Cup offers Morocco the chance to bring that vision to life on a global stage. The signing ceremony took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, in the presence of senior officials from the two governments. The event signaled more than diplomatic goodwill, as it marked the beginning of a practical partnership with long-term goals. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Morocco and the UK have now set the groundwork for a joint effort shaped by ambition, expertise, and a spirit of cooperation. Tags: 2030 FIFA World CupMorocc UK tiesmorocco infrastructureMorocco sports
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Pledges More Sports Infrastructure Projects as AFCON, World Cup Approach
Rabat – President of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized the importance of organizing sporting events to boost the country's economic development. Lekjaa made his remarks on Tuesday as part of the 2025 Global Growth Conference (GGC), where he participated in a panel to discuss Morocco's efforts in upgrading the country's infrastructure and development programs in anticipation of major sports events like the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 World Cup. During the event, Lekjaa reviewed the major events Morocco will host between 2025 and 2030, including the WAFCON, which will take place from July 5-26, the FIFA U17 Women World Cup between October and November and the AFCON from December 21 to January 18. 'Morocco will continue to host major sporting events leading up to the 2030 World Cup,' he said, adding that similar major events require the upgrading of road, airport, and football infrastructure. For Lekjaa, who is also the minister delegate for the budget, similar projects represent investment opportunities worth billions of dollars. The opportunities also cover other sectors like tourism and accommodation capacity among others. 'In this investment puzzle, we have a menu of Inclusive projects,' he said, noting that the plans also include different specialties and professions, which will enable all economic operators, including startups and multinational companies to have a share in the added value generated. 'Beyond the importance of funding, this will allow for groupings and surgeries between companies and the business world,' Lekjaa added. The minister also talked about Morocco's World Cup preparation campaign, noting that the North African country considers the global tournament as an African world cup, from which 'we will take the opportunity to show that youth on both sides of the Mediterranean can exchange, coexist, and work together.' Bouchra Hajij, president of the Royal Moroccan Volleyball Federation and the African Volleyball Confederation also commented on the country's efforts to boost the development of the sports sector, noting that this domain is an important lever for economic development. She said that sport is also a 'vector for social cohesion and economic and cultural development.'
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Ties Green Procurement to National Sustainable Development Vision
Rabat – Public procurement in Morocco no longer revolves solely around budgets and contracts as it now also reflects the country's broader ambition to build a more sustainable future. Speaking at the Climate Smart Public Procurement Conference in Rabat, Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate for the Budget, described green procurement as a central lever in Morocco's sustainable development strategy. For Lekjaa, this approach sends a strong message: 'We align public spending with our long-term goals. When we choose where to invest, we are shaping the kind of future we want.' He stressed that Morocco treats green procurement not as a niche policy but as a practical tool that touches energy, transport, the circular economy, and social inclusion. It speaks to state accountability and the state's ability to guide private-sector practices. 'We want the state to lead by example,' he said. 'When we prioritize sustainability in public purchasing, we open space for innovation, we encourage local entrepreneurship, and we help reshape the market.' Lekjaa also pointed to recent reforms in public finance that push the green agenda to move forward. These include new fiscal incentives to support eco-responsible behavior, the issuance of sovereign green bonds, and procurement policies that take both social and environmental value into account. Read also: Report Finds 'Significant Gaps' in Morocco's Transition to Green Energy International partners voiced their support for this direction. Nadir Mohamed, Regional Director for Prosperity at the World Bank, noted the potential ripple effect of climate-smart procurement across the region. 'In MENA countries, public procurement represents about 18% of GDP. Redirecting this toward sustainable goods and infrastructure could accelerate the transition to a green economy,' he said. 'It's a major opportunity, not just for environmental impact but for economic competitiveness.' He laid out the World Bank's plan to help countries in the region adopt green procurement, focusing on three areas: regulation, capacity-building, and innovation through pilot projects. For the French Development Agency (AFD), the path forward involves concrete support. Its Morocco Director, Quiterie Pincent, said the agency backs high-impact projects while helping local institutions integrate environmental goals into their procurement strategies. 'We developed tools that help public institutions assess the climate impact of their purchases. This turns climate ambition into measurable outcomes,' she said. 'We also believe in sharing knowledge across borders. Countries don't move forward in isolation.' Senior officials from the Islamic Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the New Development Bank also joined the conversation, showing the momentum behind a regional push for greener economies. Morocco sees green public procurement not as a policy add-on but as a foundation for future governance. By shaping the market through public demand, the state claims a stronger role in writing the story of environmental and social progress. Tags: green Moroccogreen procurementsustainablesustainable Morocco
Morocco World
02-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Fouzi Lekjaa: Butane Gas Costs Morocco Over MAD 15 Billion a Year
Rabat – The Moroccan government continues to face a heavy financial burden from subsidizing butane gas, revealed Fouzi Lekjaa, the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget. The country spends over MAD 15 billion every year to support the price of this essential household fuel. Each 12-kilogram gas cylinder receives an average subsidy of MAD 62. Despite the high cost, Lekjaa confirmed that the government does not intend to raise the price of butane gas. He made the statement in response to a written question from the parliament. He recalled that recent increases in the price of 3 kg and 12 kg gas cylinders, by MAD 2.5 and 10 respectively, were only applied after the launch of a new direct social assistance program in December 2023. The government allowed a four-month transition period to help limit the impact on low-income families. Lekjaa said that data shows that the effect of the price increase has been small. According to the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the added monthly cost for poor households is no more than MAD 18 per month. That amount represents 3.6% of the minimum monthly financial aid of MAD 500 given under the new system. Lekjaa stated that the direct aid system represents a major change in Morocco's approach to supporting families. Instead of giving general subsidies to everyone, which the government says is costly and ineffective, the new method provides money directly to families based on their needs, he argued. The government allocated MAD 25 billion to help 3.9 million families. Monthly support ranges from MAD 500 to more than MAD 1,500, depending on each family's situation. Alongside this, the government is also working to fight inflation, especially in agriculture. It has spent MAD 20 billion to support the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 farming seasons. A new emergency plan is also being prepared for the 2024–2025 season to ensure food is available at affordable prices.
Ya Biladi
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Morocco celebrates historic women's futsal triumph at AFCON inaugural edition
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) hosted a reception on Thursday evening at the Mohammed VI Football Complex to honor the women's national futsal team for their triumph in the inaugural edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for this category, held in Morocco. The ceremony was attended by the players' families, as well as members of the national team, who shared joyful moments in a festive atmosphere filled with pride and honor, the FRMF noted in a statement. On this occasion, the president of the FRMF, Fouzi Lekjaa, «read the congratulatory message sent by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to the members of the national team», the same source highlighted. This celebration is part of the FRMF's efforts to recognize the hard work of the players, as well as the technical and administrative staff, which led to this achievement. It further strengthens the upward momentum of national women's football and highlights the growing prominence of Moroccan football on both the continental and international stages, the statement added. This historic victory was secured by the national team after their win in the final against the Tanzanian team, with a score of 3 to 2.
