Latest news with #NDM
Morocco World
27-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Report Finds ‘Significant Gaps' in Morocco's Transition to Green Energy
Rabat – While Morocco continues to position itself as a leader in the transition to green energy, a new report on the country's National Energy Transition from the IMAL Climate Think Tank said the effort is not meeting its full potential. Morocco has the ability to become a leading country in its region for green energy by 2035, according to a press release from the IMAL Climate Think Tank. The New Development Model (NDM), which the Moroccan government implemented in 2021 with the purpose of carrying out this transition, stressed the importance of structural reforms to make this happen. These reforms include creating a strong regulatory body, adjusting tariffs, restructuring the National Electricity Office (ONEE), promoting local energy production, and removing limits on natural gas access for industries. Yet the IMAL Climate Think Tank's March 2025 report, entitled 'Morocco's Energy Transition: Status of the Implementation of the New Development Model,' found that while the NDM had made some progress, it was lagging behind in meeting the goals set by King Mohammed VI when it was created. 'Imal believes that an accelerated implementation of the energy transition cannot be successful without a paradigm shift that approaches the issue from a more strategic and political perspective,' the press release said. 'Rather than solely from a technical perspective, while also adopting greater transparency.' The report calls for an accelerated transition, warning that delays could harm the national economy and competitiveness. Slow progress in reducing carbon emissions in the electricity grid may lead to higher costs, especially as other countries impose penalties for high emissions and Morocco's dependence on fossil fuel imports strains financial resources. The report also identified three key priorities for the NDM and several steps that must be followed to see that these priorities are fulfilled. First, it called for expanding decentralized energy production, like rooftop solar, to cut fossil fuel reliance and boost jobs. In addition, it proposes to reassess long-term coal-linked electricity contracts that may harm Morocco's economy and hinder climate funding efforts. Lastly, to make Morocco a hub for green electricity trade, Imal wants to see improvements in regional energy connections, aligning Morocco's electricity market with Europe's. As well as reforms and decarbonization in the power sector and strong regulations that boost renewable energy production. Morocco's Energy Transition The push for renewable energy in Morocco dates back to 2009 when the first comprehensive energy strategy was established. This initiative outlined short, medium and long-term objectives as well as legislative, regulatory and institutional changes. The first phase, the National Plan for Priority Actions (PNAP), launched in 2009 until 2013 and focused on balancing the electricity supply and demand through increased production and the rationalization of energy usage. In 2015, Morocco raised its renewable energy target from 42% to 52% by 2030 in response to the growing urgency of climate action. These initial phases created encouraging results, paving the way for the 2021 New Development Model. King Mohammed VI established the Special Commission for the NDM in November 2019, tasking it with assessing Morocco's progress and identifying gaps in its development across various sectors. Among the Commission's key goals was a commitment to positioning Morocco as a leader in competitive, green energy. Morocco subsequently unveiled its green hydrogen strategy in 2021, aiming to use it domestically in industrial processes and as an alternative fuel and contributing to the country's renewable energy ambitions. With its strategic geographic location and robust infrastructure, Morocco is poised to play a crucial role in the global green hydrogen market. Prior to the transition – and even today – Morocco has relied heavily on natural resources, many of which are imports. The main consumer is the ONEE, which totals a consumption of 884.3 million cubic meters, according to the Policy Center for the New South . The government's growing shift to green energy aims for greater self-sufficiency and lower energy costs. Plans for this transition include developing key gas infrastructure to support industries, boost competitiveness for Moroccan exporters, and enable subcontracting in the natural gas sector. Renewable Energy in Response to Drought Morocco has long struggled with drought and is considered a 'freshwater scarcity country' by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs . At the same time, the latest Climate Change Performance Index ranks Morocco as the eighth most climate-prepared country in the world, deeming the nation a regional leader in sustainable development and GHG reduction. Morocco's climate challenges stem from its dry climate, limited renewable water sources, and poor farming policies that favor water-heavy crops, benefiting a few landowners while neglecting vulnerable agriculture communities. According to a Princeton University study , such struggles with water and farming can be traced back to Morocco's colonial history in which the French promoted water-heavy agriculture in the kingdom's already dry environment. This legacy has left Moroccan farmers particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Renewable energy offers a promising solution to this ongoing challenge by providing sustainable power for desalination plants in southern coastal cities like Agadir. The nation-wide shift to green energy will also promote sustainable agricultural practices leading to less water waste. Overall, Morocco's goal of sourcing 52% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 will support global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, ultimately easing the impact of climate change on the country's arid landscape. The NMD outlined a plan to create a model that integrates electricity distribution, drinking water, and wastewater services under Regional Multi-Service Companies, with the goal of improving renewable energy integration and investment by placing responsibility in the hands of regional entities. The IMAL Climate Report reveals that ONEE, a major energy consumer, has not followed this recommendation, instead persisting in practices that contradict it. The report calls for a more holistic approach, emphasizing the decentralization of energy production, improved regional energy connectivity, and stronger regulatory frameworks to support renewable energy. While Morocco has made significant progress toward its green energy objectives, the journey to achieving its 2030 targets remains challenging. The success of this transition will depend on ongoing reforms and strategic investments in the years ahead. Tags: Africa Energy Forum (AEF)Energy transitiongreen energy
Morocco World
26-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Could Gain $2.53 Billion from Rural Women's Inclusion
Doha – The inclusion of rural women in Morocco's economy could generate MAD 25.3 billion ($2.53 billion), representing 2.2% of GDP, High Commissioner for Planning Chakib Benmoussa stated yesterday in Rabat. During a conference on 'Women's Empowerment in Morocco: Understanding Challenges for Better Action,' Benmoussa outlined the formidable barriers confronting women in rural communities, including 'unpaid employment, limited access to health and education services, as well as difficulties accessing property and financing.' The conference, organized by the High Commission for Planning (HCP) in partnership with UN Women and supported by the European Union delegation, presented findings from three major studies on women's empowerment and labor market integration. The first study proposes a benchmark of measures and social changes affecting women's participation in the labor market, focusing on reducing wage gaps, valuing unpaid work, and strengthening sectors with high female labor intensity. The second, specifically examining rural women's economic participation, reveals their economic potential remains underexploited. The third, meanwhile, analyzes gender inequalities through the SDG lens, drawing on the 2022 National Household Living Standards Survey to address indicator gaps in land rights, economic resources, and reproductive health. Read also: Female Empowerment in Morocco: An Unfinished Progress According to Benmoussa, the New Development Model (NDM) established gender equality as both 'a matter of equity and social justice' and 'a powerful driver of growth and development.' He added that these commitments align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 5, which aims to eliminate discrimination against women, recognize and value unpaid work, and ensure women's full and effective participation in political, economic, and social spheres. Statistics from the 2024 General Population and Housing Census indicate a mixed picture of Moroccan women's status. The female labor market participation rate stands at 19.1% in 2024, according to Daniele Dotto, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Morocco. Notably, recent findings from the African Women's Inclusion Index (AWII) 2025 rank Morocco 32nd out of 42 African countries with an overall score of 44.2. The country's financial inclusion score is 35.5, while economic inclusion remains lower at 27.7. According to the HCP, this conference also serves as an opportunity to understand future data needs. These insights will be considered in planned surveys for 2025–2026, particularly the national family survey and the time budget survey, to better comprehend gender dynamics and guide public policies toward a more inclusive labor market. Women's economic empowerment is 'essential for ensuring their full contribution to the national economy, strengthening family and community resilience, and promoting sustainable and equitable growth,' stressed Myriem Noussairi, UN Women Representative in Morocco. Tags: High Commission for Planning (HCP)women empowerment in Morocco
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lupin and Avas Launch NaMuscla® in Italy
Lupin and Avas Launch NaMuscla® in Italy Enables expanded access to the only EU-approved treatment for the myotonia symptoms in adults with non-dystrophic myotonic disorders Mumbai, Zug, January 28, 2025: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) and Avas Pharmaceuticals SRL (Avas) today announced the launch of Lupin's orphan drug NaMuscla® (mexiletine) in Italy. Avas will commercialize NaMuscla® for the symptomatic treatment of myotonia in adults with non-dystrophic myotonic (NDM) disorders. NaMuscla® is the first and only licensed product for this indication. NDM disorders are a group of rare, inherited neuromuscular disorders which is characterised by the inability to relax muscles following voluntary contraction. NaMuscla® reduces myotonia symptoms in people with NDM, resulting in a significant improvement in quality of life and other functional and clinical outcomes for patients1. NaMuscla®, which has been designated orphan drug status, received EU marketing authorization in December 20182. Under the terms of the agreement, Avas will initially commercialize NaMuscla® as a Class C (Tier 2), while Lupin negotiates with AIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco) for the reimbursement of the product in Italy. This will ensure consistent access to NaMuscla® for patients in Italy, leveraging the established supply network that already serves patients across Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. 'Our collaboration with Avas will not only allow us to introduce the first licensed treatment for myotonia in Italy but also ensure continued access to this essential medication. This partnership reflects Lupin's dedication to addressing unmet medical needs in rare diseases across Europe,' stated Thierry Volle, President EMEA, Lupin. 'We are excited to announce our partnership with Lupin for the launch of NaMuscla® in Italy, a key step in addressing the needs of patients with NDM disorders. This collaboration ensures the availability of best therapeutic solutions, improving the quality of life for individuals affected by NDM disorders in Italy," said Marco Rago, President of the Board of Directors at Avas Pharmaceuticals. Notes for Editors About Myotonic Disorders and Non-Dystrophic Myotonias (NDM) Myotonic disorders are a group of heterogeneous, inherited, neuromuscular disorders characterized by a shared symptom called myotonia3. Myotonia can be described as an inability to relax a contraction of skeletal muscle which originates from a voluntary muscular contraction such as shaking someone's hand and blinking, or everyday activities such as walking across a street and climbing stairs4. Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDM) are a sub-set of rare (prevalence of 1:100,0004), inherited, myotonic disorders which are caused by mutations within ion channels in the sarcolemma membrane of skeletal muscles. Non-dystrophic myotonias exhibit both sodium and chloride channelopathies which result in altered membrane excitability5. For patients with NDM, myotonia is the most prominent symptom and demonstrates different phenotypes in subgroups of NDM disorders, and can affect different parts of the body, such as legs, arms, or facial muscles, more severely5. Myotonia in patients with NDM has an onset in childhood and persists across their lifetime. Patients perceive that myotonia increases in severity over time, impacting daily life. Myotonia is described by patients in a variety of ways (stiffness, cramps, pain, difficulty releasing a fist, or difficulty swallowing or eating) which can contribute to substantial delays in diagnosis and treatment, leading to decreased patient quality-of-life and often significant disability3, 6. About NaMuscla® (mexiletine)NaMuscla® is the first and only antimyotonic agent licensed to treat symptomatic myotonia in adults with non-dystrophic myotonic disorders in Europe2. In randomised controlled trials1, 3, 6, NaMuscla® (167 to 500 mg/day) has been shown to significantly reduce myotonia compared to placebo, reducing skeletal muscle hyperexcitability through its use-dependent, voltage-gated, sodium channel blocking actions which are independent of the cause of channel function. This resulted in an improvement in patient quality-of-life and other functional outcomes, with gastro-intestinal discomfort reported as the most common adverse event, demonstrating NaMuscla® to be safe and well tolerated1, 3, 6, 7. About LupinLupin Limited is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Mumbai, India, with products distributed in over 100 markets. Lupin specializes in pharmaceutical products, including branded and generic formulations, complex generics, biotechnology products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Trusted by healthcare professionals and consumers globally, the company enjoys a strong position in India and the U.S. across multiple therapy areas, including respiratory, cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and women's health. Lupin has 15 state-of-the-art manufacturing sites and 7 research centers globally, along with a dedicated workforce of over 22,000 professionals. Lupin is committed to improving patient health outcomes through its subsidiaries - Lupin Diagnostics, Lupin Digital Health, and Lupin Manufacturing Solutions. To know more, visit or follow us on LinkedIn For further information or queries please contact: Rajalakshmi AzariahVice President & Global Head – Corporate Communications, Lupinrajalakshmiazariah@ About AvasAVAS Pharmaceuticals is a leading pharmaceutical company renowned for its expertise in the commercialization of branded medicines that offer transformative therapeutic solutions. With a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes, AVAS Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to providing innovative treatments that have the potential to significantly impact patients' lives across Italy. Founded on principles of innovation, excellence, and accessibility, AVAS Pharmaceuticals operates in a diverse range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular health, infectious diseases, and neurology. The company also specializes in addressing rare and ultra-rare diseases, offering life-changing medicines for patients with limited or no therapeutic options. AVAS Pharmaceuticals' dedication to quality, innovation, and patient care positions it as a key player in the Italian healthcare landscape, and its continued growth is a testament to the transformative impact it has on patients and their families. Contact for media inquiries: administration@ References: Vicart S, et al. Neuromuscular Discord 2021; 31:1124-1135 NaMuscla®. Summary of Product Characteristics. Stunnenberg, et al. Muscle Nerve 2020;62(4):430-444 Emery AEH, Neuromuscular Discord 1991;1:19-29 Matthews E, et al. Brain 2010;133:9–22 Trivedi JR, et al. Brain 2013; 136:2189-200 Matthews E, et al. Pract Neurol 2021;0:1–10Sign in to access your portfolio
