Latest news with #FouziLekjaa
Ya Biladi
8 hours ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco boosts infrastructure for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030 preparation
The ambitious infrastructure, investment, and construction initiatives launched for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are key components of a broader strategy to lay a robust foundation for the 2030 World Cup. This was emphasized by Fouzi Lekjaa, Deputy Minister in charge of the Budget, during a session in Rabat on Friday. «The projects tied to AFCON 2025 are seamlessly woven into a strategic framework aimed at gearing up for the 2030 World Cup. This approach not only ensures a lasting legacy but also maximizes the development of Morocco's sports, economic, and territorial sectors», stated Lekjaa at a ministerial conference focused on the theme «World Cup 2030: Financial, Institutional, and Strategic Challenges», held at the National School of Administration (ENSA). He revealed that an investment of approximately 150 billion dirhams (MMDH) is being funneled into key sectors, including the construction of a drinking water treatment plant with a capacity of 2 billion cubic meters, designed to meet both industrial and domestic demands. Continuing in this vein, Lekjaa highlighted that the financing of transport infrastructure is anchored in public-private partnerships (PPPs), complemented by an annual state subsidy of about 1.6 MMDH until 2030, ensuring the projects' continuity and financial sustainability. He underscored the significance of mobility between host cities, noting, «The development of the high-speed rail line (LGV) and the regional express network (RER) is actively progressing, particularly to link Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and the southern provinces, fostering the Kingdom's territorial and economic integration». Addressing the financial framework, he assured that it is crafted to avoid burdening the general state budget. He elaborated, «An innovative financing and operational model, in collaboration with the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) and the National Company for the Realization and Management of Sports Facilities (SONARGES), facilitates a 20-year amortization, ensuring the sustainability of investments». Furthermore, Fouzi Lekjaa announced that the construction of the two stadiums designated for AFCON 2025 will adhere to a strict timeline, with the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat slated for completion by July 31 and the Grand Stadium in Tangier by August 15.
Maroc
4 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
Tax Revenues to Increase by MAD 25.1 Bln by End of June 2025
Morocco's tax revenues increased by MAD 25.1 billion by the end of June 2025, a 16.6% rise compared to the same period in 2024, Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa announced on Monday before the House of Representatives. Responding to a question on 'evaluating the effects of tax reform measures on public finances,' Lekjaa stated that corporate tax (IS) revenues reached MAD 13.1 billion, while personal income tax (IR) and value added tax (VAT) revenues rose by 6.7% and 3.1%, respectively. The minister attributed the impact of the tax reform to a broader tax base and stronger efforts to combat fraud and tax evasion. He stressed that the aim is to create a fairer and less burdensome tax system for all citizens, noting that such reforms must be implemented progressively. Lekjaa added that the government expects to close 2025 with a budget deficit of around 3.5% and a debt to GDP ratio below 67% with the goal of reducing the deficit to 3% and the debt ratio to below 66%, "to ensure the sustainability of public finances and avoid compromising future generations". He emphasized that the tax reform, described as one of the most significant changes in Morocco's public finance sector in recent decades, had already raised an additional MAD 102 billion in tax revenue by the end of 2024. These funds, he noted, have helped support social reforms, wage increases, and other socially focused initiatives. MAP: 15 July 2025
Ya Biladi
11-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco steps up preparations for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030
The Ministry of the Interior held a meeting on Friday to review the progress of key projects planned in preparation for two major sporting events to be hosted by the Kingdom: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. For the World Cup, discussions centered on critical priorities such as stadium construction, infrastructure upgrades, and urban renewal, each essential to meeting international standards. As for AFCON 2025, all necessary measures are being implemented to ensure the tournament's success. The meeting emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination and regular monitoring by all stakeholders, ensuring strict oversight of these continental and global events. Both competitions are seen as strategic opportunities to elevate Morocco's international standing and inject renewed momentum into the national economy. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Fouzi Lekjaa, Chairman of the 2030 World Cup Committee, highlighted that the gathering followed the adoption on Thursday of the bill establishing the «Morocco 2030 Foundation». This foundation will be responsible for coordinating efforts among domestic and international stakeholders to ensure the success of this large-scale national project. Lekjaa added that work is already underway in several Moroccan cities to prepare for both sporting events. Regarding AFCON 2025, he affirmed that all infrastructure will be completed several months ahead of the tournament, showcasing and reinforcing the Kingdom's outstanding organizational capabilities.
Maroc
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco to Establish Foundation for 2030 World Cup Preparations
Morocco's Government Council on Thursday approved a bill to establish the 'Morocco 2030 Foundation,' a new body tasked with overseeing preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom is co-hosting. Bill No. 35.25, presented by Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, forms part of the implementation of directives issued by HM King Mohammed VI during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting, Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said the Foundation will coordinate and monitor development projects linked to the 2030 World Cup and ensure Morocco meets its commitments under the tournament's specifications. Baitas added that the initiative aligns with HM the King's vision of sport as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development, as well as a driver of youth integration and territorial development. He noted that hosting the 2030 World Cup—alongside other major events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—reinforces Morocco's status as a hub for international events and a meeting point of civilizations. The Morocco 2030 Foundation will adopt a participatory approach involving government bodies, public institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, the Moroccan diaspora, and the broader football community, including African partners, Baitas said. MAP: 10 July 2025
Ya Biladi
11-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Government approves Morocco 2030 body to deliver World Cup vision
The Government Council, which met on Thursday in Rabat, approved draft law 35.25 establishing the Morocco 2030 Foundation. The proposal was presented by Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget. This draft law follows royal directives issued during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024, concerning Morocco's preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030, stated Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, during a press briefing following the meeting. According to Baitas, hosting this global event, alongside other major competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025), reaffirms Morocco's role as a crossroads of civilizations and a leading destination for international events. He added that these tournaments also offer an opportunity to accelerate large-scale development projects across the country, with benefits extending beyond the host cities. It is within this framework that the Morocco 2030 Foundation was conceived. The Foundation will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the execution of various projects to ensure the success of major football competitions, particularly the 2030 World Cup. It will also ensure that the state honors its commitments under the tournament's terms of reference. The entity will operate through a participatory approach, engaging all relevant stakeholders—government agencies, public institutions and enterprises, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, Moroccans abroad, the national football community, and African talents, to achieve its objectives.
