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Morocco World
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Laughter Unites Casablanca at Comediablanca 2025
Casablanca's iconic Mohammed V Complex pulsed last night with energy as the Francophone Gala of Comediablanca 2025 delivered an unforgettable evening of humor, identity, and celebration. From the moment the pre-show village opened to the final applause echoing through the venue, the second edition of this bilingual festival confirmed its place at the heart of Morocco's cultural calendar. Organized by TENDANSIA, the festival offered not only two evenings of top-tier comedy but also a space where language, community, and creativity converged. Two hours before the doors officially opened, attendees poured into a colorful outdoor village built around the venue. With the sun setting over Casablanca, visitors explored coffee stands, food stalls, artisan fashion booths, and live music—transforming the space into a buzzing festival ground. Several performers arrived for interviews around 14:30 in this warm and festive atmosphere, interacting with early guests and the press while soaking in the pre-show energy. Coming to Casablanca! For the comedians set to perform, Comediablanca was not just another booking — it was a milestone. Oualas, a seasoned performer who has graced stages across Morocco, didn't downplay the challenge:'The Moroccan audience is perhaps the most difficult of all the audiences I've met. They're very demanding. If it's not funny, they don't laugh. But if you can make a Moroccan laugh, you can make the world laugh.' Coco Makmak, taking the stage in Morocco for the very first time, described the experience as both surreal and inspiring. 'All the artists tonight are big names in comedy, and I'm honored to be among them,' she said. 'I hope the audience buys into my humor and sees what makes me Coco Makmak.' Erick Baert, who offered a teaser from his full show coming to Morocco this November, shared his genuine emotion: 'The energy gave me chills from the moment I walked into the venue. This is my big premiere in Morocco, and I'm the happiest guy in the world.' The gala was hosted by Meryem Benoua, who returned to her hometown stage with pride. 'Performing here, in Casablanca, for Moroccans — it's incredible,' she tells Morocco World News. 'The public gives so much love. It's the only place where I feel truly at home.' For Mimo Lazrak, the show was deeply personal: 'There's extra pressure performing in front of your own family, your city, your people. But I'm proud — and this festival has grown into something worthy of the biggest stages.' Building cultural bridges and spotlighting Morocco as a creative hub The lineup, which included French and North African performers, offered everything from sharp stand-up to physical comedy and vocal impersonations. The audience responded with thunderous laughter, heartfelt applause, and a standing ovation that brought the night to a close on a high note. This year's edition was rescheduled to accommodate a Wydad AC football match and operated smoothly thanks to tight logistics and secure, app-based ticketing via Guichet. The seamless coordination ensured that audiences could enjoy the evening without concern, fully immersed in the experience. With its unique two-gala format — one Arabophone, one Francophone — Comediablanca continues to build cultural bridges while showcasing Morocco's position as a creative hub As Casablanca wakes up today to a quieter rhythm, the buzz around Comediablanca 2025 is still very much alive. From young debut performers to seasoned veterans, the consensus is clear: this festival matters. The success of this second edition has sparked anticipation for what's to come — more stages, more languages, and perhaps more days of programming in future years. Because if this week reminded us of anything, it's that comedy is not just entertainment — it's a shared language. And in Casablanca last night, that language brought thousands together in laughter. Tags: Casablancacomediacomediablanca
Morocco World
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
‘This Is Africa' Village Brings Pan-African Culture to the Heart of Casablanca
Casablanca – Casablanca's Place Rachidi has turned into a welcoming space, celebrating African culture thanks to 'This Is Africa Village,' an open-air exposition that opened on May 23, 2025, and will continue until January 18, 2026. The event is a collaboration between agency ANYA and the Association Atlas Azawan in partnership with Casablanca Events & Animation. The project is open six days a week, with the aim of attracting more than one million visitors over eight months. The village is divided into four themed zones, including the Kids' Area , where children can create colourful zellige mosaics, and listen to daily stories from across the continent. Just a few steps away, a food court featuring African street food and fresh coffee also exists, giving visitors an easy spot to rest and recharge before exploring more of the village. In the Creators' Alley, 16 stands representing Morocco, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin. The stands sell hand-beaten jewellery, woven baskets, and Beninese Padonou embroidery alongside contemporary design pieces. The fourth space, a covered stage, comes to life each afternoon at 4 p.m., with the program featuring Côte d'Ivoire's percussion ensemble Djarabikan Balafon, Casablanca's Assia Brass Band, and Beninese DJ EMos Djekomon before a rotating roster carries the music deep into winter. In an exclusive interview with Morocco World News (MWN), project manager Sofia Boukhamsa said the marathon format is deliberate: 'Our goal is to bring every corner of Africa together under one roof so families can keep coming back to discover new traditions, crafts, and sounds each week. It's a real challenge, but it's also a rehearsal for the continental energy Morocco hopes to showcase during AFCON.' Among the exhibitors is 26-year-old fashion designer Hajar Elkhattab , whose rail of cropped jackets and denim-meets- caftan skirts has drawn steady attention. 'Not many young Moroccans wear traditional garments anymore,' she told MWN, while straightening a clothing rack. 'So I've mixed modern cuts with classic motifs. Our culture is unbelievably rich, and we should feel that pride every day.' On the main stage, the wooden keys of the balafon resonate under the mallets of Souleymane Coulibaly, the manager of Groupe Djarabikan Balafon. Founded in Abidjan in 2007, the ensemble has toured Europe and North Africa but is performing in Morocco for the first time. 'It's a real pleasure to share our music here,' Coulibaly stated. 'Morocco's cultural diversity makes us feel at home.' Visitors appear to agree. Ameen, a 21-year-old student, wanders between jewellery stalls and textile stands. 'I wanted to discover other African cultures and see Moroccan traditions from a fresh angle,' he said. 'The village lets you see a bit of each thing.' Nearby, Samira, visiting with her teenage daughters, calls the experience 'a living classroom that demonstrates how art and tradition connect the continent'. Local businesses are already eyeing a windfall. Cafés and hotels within walking distance of Place Rachidi expect a surge in traffic as football fans begin arriving in December. For artisans like Elkhattab, the extended timeline is an opportunity to gather feedback and fine-tune designs. 'Eight months is long enough to build a relationship with customers,' she notes, 'and to collaborate with other African creators I would never meet otherwise.' With the first winter AFCON now confirmed for 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, 'This Is Africa Village' is poised to serve as Casablanca's cultural drumroll. Tags: 2017 Africa Cup of NationsAfrican culture
Morocco World
a day ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Moroccan Expatriates and the Floating Dirham: Risks, Confidence, and Currency Reform
As Morocco approaches its planned transition to a floating exchange rate regime in 2026, the financial participation and confidence of Moroccan expatriates will play a critical role in ensuring the reform's success. With more than five million Moroccans living abroad and remittances reaching over MAD 117.7 billion (approximately $11.7 billion) in 2024, this community represents both a stabilising force and a key stakeholder in the country's economic future. In this fourth article of the series, Oualid El Meriague speaks with financial expert Mr Badr Bouarich to explore how the dirham's floating may affect expatriate savings, remittances, and property investments. Bouarich provides critical insights into how Morocco can safeguard these contributions and foster deeper economic links with its diaspora during this pivotal shift. A Strategic Reform with Lessons from Abroad Transitioning from a fixed exchange rate regime to a floating one can be a complex undertaking. While some countries have managed the shift smoothly, others have struggled, if not outright failed. It is therefore essential to understand the chain of events that typically precede the decision to float a currency and to distinguish between voluntary transitions and those driven by crisis. A proper assessment must also consider both microeconomic and macroeconomic indicators. In Morocco's case, stakeholders led by Bank Al-Maghrib have opted for a voluntary, smooth, flexible, and gradual approach to the transition. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the process was temporarily paused to avoid unnecessary risks amid uncertainty. This decision reflected Morocco's ability to pace the reform with caution and foresight, unlike other nations that have had no such luxury. Some countries simply did not have the time or space to adjust or refine their approach. Egypt, for example, faced severe economic and institutional challenges following the Arab Spring in 2011. Political instability, security threats, especially in the Sinai, and a wave of terrorist incidents crippled tourism, which plummeted from 13 million visitors in 2010 to just 3 million in 2017. As a result, foreign currency inflows dwindled dramatically. The country's foreign currency reserves, which stood at around $36 billion in early 2011, dropped to $18 billion within the same year. By 2016, they remained dangerously low, covering less than three months of imports, well below the safe threshold. This made the float of the Egyptian pound in 2016 less a matter of economic reform and more a response to unsustainable pressure. The decision was not voluntary but rather forced by external constraints and mounting economic distress. Nigeria also went through several episodes of currency floating between 2016 and 2023. Initially, the move aimed to reduce pressure on foreign reserves, counter the black market, and attract foreign investment, particularly after oil revenue declines significantly reduced forex inflows. However, the policy produced mixed results. Inflation was already high, hovering around 16 percent, when the float was implemented. The government simultaneously removed fuel subsidies, which worsened the cost of living. The naira had long been overvalued at the official rate and therefore depreciated sharply once floated. Foreign exchange restrictions remained in place, leading to a semi-managed rather than truly free float. The black market persisted, and investor sentiment remained weak, deterring the very capital inflows the policy had aimed to attract. Following a full liberalisation of the naira in 2023, however, Nigeria has begun to see more promising results. Although inflation remains elevated, the black market is shrinking, exports are gaining competitiveness, and foreign exchange reserves are showing early signs of recovery. Economic growth is also beginning to pick up again. In contrast, Morocco's context is fundamentally different. Inflation remains contained at approximately 1.8 percent as of December 2024. The black market for foreign currency is almost non-existent despite ongoing capital controls, and reserves are stable at around MAD 375.2 billion (approximately $37 billion). Tourism reached record levels in 2024, with 17.5 million visitors and revenues exceeding MAD 105 billion. Institutions are resilient, and security concerns are being addressed swiftly and effectively. All signs suggest that Morocco is approaching this reform from a position of strength rather than necessity. This is an important distinction that should not be underestimated. Inflation and Timing: A Lesson from Egypt Egypt's inflationary troubles were well established even before it floated its currency. Chronic dependence on imports, rising global commodity prices, weak foreign currency inflows, persistent budget deficits, and expansionary monetary policy all contributed to an inflation rate of around 14 percent. In this fragile environment, the floating of the pound acted as an accelerant. Inflation surged to over 20 percent by the end of 2016 and approached 30 percent in 2017. This experience demonstrates that while floating a currency is not inherently inflationary, it can magnify inflationary pressures if underlying economic fundamentals are misaligned. Floating in an environment already burdened by high inflation can lead to severe socio-economic consequences. In Morocco's case, the floating is not driven by crisis. It is a voluntary reform rather than a reaction to external shocks or reserve depletion. As such, Morocco retains the ability to choose the right moment for implementation, an opportunity few other countries have had. In fact, we recall that Bank Al-Maghrib Governor Abdellatif Jouahri postponed the transition in 2020, citing uncertainty linked to the pandemic as justification. This strategic delay underscores Morocco's commitment to responsible economic management. To reduce the risks associated with the float, Morocco must carefully time the move. Ideally, this would occur during a period of low inflation, stable commodity prices, and manageable external conditions. Not all risks are foreseeable, however. Should a geopolitical shock, such as an escalation between Russia and Europe, occur, it could drive global energy and food prices sharply upwards, undermining even the best-laid plans. Global developments must therefore remain closely monitored. As discussed in earlier articles of this series, local mitigation strategies should also be reinforced. Encouraging distributors to hedge against currency volatility, while capping excessive profit margins, can help stabilize prices for essential goods and protect vulnerable consumers from sudden spikes in living costs. Capital Controls, Black Markets, and Currency Confidence According to official statements from Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco's transition to a floating exchange rate will not entail the full liberalisation of capital flows. That is, limits will still apply to the amount of foreign currency individuals and corporations can legally exchange or transfer abroad. These long-standing restrictions are intended to shield the dirham from speculative attacks and to uphold financial stability during the transition. However, as evidenced by Nigeria's experience, foreign exchange controls can create distortions if not managed carefully. In countries where the official exchange rate is perceived to be misaligned with reality, black markets often emerge as a parallel mechanism to meet unmet demand. Though informal, these markets can serve as useful indicators of the currency's perceived value. In Egypt, prior to the 2016 float, the pound was trading at a 50 percent discount on the black market, precisely the level at which the official rate settled post-float. This demonstrates how informal markets often foreshadow formal adjustments. In Morocco's case, however, such distortions are currently minimal. Thanks to measures like raising the annual foreign exchange allowance for travel to MAD 100,000, the demand for black market transactions has largely disappeared. This suggests that the dirham's current value is broadly in line with market expectations and that public confidence in the currency remains intact. Moroccan Expatriates: A Stabilising Force in Transition Moroccan expatriates are a central pillar of the country's economic resilience. In 2024, remittances from the diaspora reached MAD 117.7 billion (approximately $11.7 billion), representing more than 8 percent of Morocco's GDP, which was estimated at MAD 1.43 trillion (or around $142 billion). These funds support millions of families and serve as a crucial source of foreign currency, helping Morocco maintain external balances and reserve buffers. Beyond the numbers, they also represent trust: trust that the Moroccan economy will remain stable and welcoming to those who live beyond its borders. If the floating of the dirham is not properly timed or communicated, expatriates may become wary of holding dirham-denominated savings. In the worst-case scenario, capital flight or a shift to informal channels could erode trust in the banking system. However, with the right hedging tools, accessible foreign currency products, and a clear reform roadmap, Moroccan financial institutions can ensure that expatriates feel secure and remain active participants in the national economy. Looking Ahead: Regional Influence Through Currency Reform In the next and final part of this series, we will examine how the flotation of the dirham could serve not only as a catalyst for trade and investment but also as a strategic lever for Morocco to strengthen its regional economic leadership. As capital mobility, investor sentiment, and market integration evolve, we will explore how Morocco can position the dirham, and by extension its broader economic model, as a stable and credible reference point in North and West Africa. This final analysis will provide a forward-looking view on how currency flexibility could enhance Morocco's role as a financial, commercial, and policy anchor in a more interconnected and competitive global system.
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Marhaba Operation : New customs benefits for returning Moroccans
Led by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Marhaba operation will run from June 15 to September 15 this year, with support from the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) to assist Moroccans living abroad (MRE) in their administrative procedures. Focused on simplifying processes, improving access to information, and supporting investment project holders, a circular issued Wednesday outlines these initiatives in line with the commitments of the «Welcome Charter». According to Circular 6659/311, the main new measure this year concerns a 90% reduction in customs duties for the «consumption release of older vehicles owned by Moroccans living abroad». This fiscal benefit applies to Moroccans worldwide aged 60 or older who have lived abroad for at least ten years, provided they present a registration certificate from a Moroccan diplomatic or consular office confirming this period of residency. Since some Moroccans living abroad hold registration certificates showing less than 10 years abroad but can provide other documents proving a stay of 10 years or more, the ADII has authorized provincial and prefectural customs directors to approve customs clearance under this fiscal benefit based on any authenticated document establishing compliance with the 10-year residency condition. Acceptable documents include a detailed residency history issued by competent authorities (police, town hall, employment offices), a residence card or consular registration, a foreign ID card with an overseas address, or a certificate of residence abroad. Facilitations for MRE Returning Permanently For MRE returning to live permanently in Morocco, Circular 4158/312 (dated 16/05/1991) grants a three-year vehicle age exemption for duties and taxes on one vehicle per person, once in a lifetime—excluding diplomats and students. Previously, beneficiaries had to provide payslips covering at least two years or proof of tax declarations; the new circular now waives this requirement to simplify the process. Other conditions remain in place, detailed in the circular's annex and the 2025 Guide for Moroccans of the World, available online. MRE employees, traders, and professionals can also enjoy full exemptions from duties and taxes on used furniture, personal effects, clothing, and one unit per household appliance category (refrigerator, washing machine, stove, etc.). Personal items must not exceed a total value of 30,000 dirhams, and used tools/materials must not exceed 150,000 dirhams; amounts above these thresholds require payment of duties at the current rates. Students, itinerant traders, or workers residing in Gibraltar for at least five years are also eligible for similar facilitations and exemptions—one relocation per family—provided they submit specific documents, including an official certificate of change of residence (from municipal authorities or Moroccan consulates) and a dated, signed detailed inventory of their belongings. The ADII emphasizes that importing furniture and changing residence must happen simultaneously, with all items imported at once. If moved in two parts, both shipments must be listed on the initial inventory and processed by the same customs office within six months from the certificate's issuance. Finally, the ADII underlines its commitment to enhanced cooperation with all stakeholders involved in this operation and requests that any application difficulties be promptly reported to the Central Administration using this circular as reference.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Lemon Revenues Reach $2.7 Million in First Half of 2024-2025 Season
Rabat – Morocco generated a revenue of $2.7 million from lemon exports, according to new data from the agriculture-focused outlet East Fruit. The revenues were made between the first half of the 2024-2025 season, during which Morocco exported 6,100 metric tons of lemons, the report detailed. 'This marks the highest export volume for the October-March period' since the 2020-2021 season, when Morocco witnessed a four-year decline in exports due to weather challenges. East Fruit stressed the importance of lemon as part of the top citrus exported produce in Morocco, behind mandarins and oranges. The peak of exports occurred in the 2019-2020 season, when exports reached 17,000 tons, seven times less than orange exports and 23 times less than mandarin exports, the report added. Morocco's citrus industry witnessed a major milestone. Foodex in April celebrated the country's entrance into Japan's most demanding market with the first container of Moroccan citrus fruits. The entry reflects the 'competitiveness of Moroccan agricultural products and internationally recognized expertise,' the same source said. In the 2021-2022 agricultural season, Morocco's citrus exports reached a record volume of 766,500 tons — an overall increase of 40% compared to the year before. This performance covered all exported citrus products, including berries. For the 2024-025 campaign in the Moulouya irrigated area in Berkane province, Morocco's citrus sector gears up to produce at least 192,3000 tons. All this amid challenging weather conditions due principally to climate change, water shortages, and lack of rainfall. Recent rainfall in March revived Morocco's water reserves, prompting Minister of Equipment Nizar Baraka to say that the country now has a capacity of potable water that will serve Moroccans for a year and a half.
