The MASI.20, an index of the 20 most liquid stocks, gained 0.17% to 893.16 pts, while the MASI.ESG, an index of companies with the highest ESG rating, as published by Moody's ESG Solutions, rose by 0.05% to 824.66 pts.

This trend reflects an 11.5% rise in net claims on the Central Administration, and a 9% increase in official reserve assets, compared with 8.6% in March, as well as a 5.3% rise in bank credit to the non-financial sector, says the central bank in its April 2023 monetary statistics bulletin.

The acceleration in annual money supply growth mainly reflects a rise in currency in circulation from 11.9% to 12.2%, and in holdings of money market Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) from 15% to 32.6%.

This performance also reflects an easing of the decline in time deposits to 6.9% from 9.7%, as well as an increase in sight deposits with banks to 9.2% from 9.6% in March 2023.

"The Kingdom of Morocco is proud to host this prestigious African trade show, given the profound significance of this event, which places the African continent at the forefront, in consecration of HM King Mohammed VI's far-sighted vision to establish a strategic partnership between the various players in favor of a prosperous, integrated and united continent, through strengthening ties and exchanges between African countries, promoting their promising potential and consolidating the foundations of a solid and sustainable African economy," said Akhannouch at the opening of this flagship event.

Placed under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, this large-scale event, which illustrates the Kingdom's cultural wealth, civilizational influence and ongoing dynamism, is an opportunity to highlight the continent's promising potential and the sustained efforts being made to develop skills in the fields of technology and innovation, he explained.

He said that Morocco fully embraces the digital momentum dictated by globalization, and remains determined to strengthen its position as a digitalization pole in order to accelerate the Kingdom's economic and social development, and further consolidate its economic relations with the rest of the world, in line with HM the King's enlightened vision.

"We aspire to guarantee public digital services for citizens, businesses and entrepreneurs. We are also working to create an appropriate ecosystem for innovative start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, and to provide a platform dedicated to producing and nurturing talent in this field," he added.

As "we begin to implement this roadmap", the organization of this first "GITEX AFRICA" in Morocco reinforces the efforts made by the Kingdom to realize these aspirations, said Akhannouch.

Following the example of "GITEX Global", which has been held in Dubai for over 40 years, "GITEX Africa" aims to be an international platform for cutting-edge technology for all players in Africa, from both the private and public sectors, he noted, adding that this event will see the participation of over 900 companies, more than 250 speakers and over 100 government institutions.

Emphasizing that African businesses and economies are experiencing a tangible digital transformation as evidenced by the sharp rise (4.5 times more) in investment in start-ups between 2018 and 2022, the head of government explained that this feverish pace of digitization is attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic and its repercussions, as it has been necessary to adapt to the demands of this period in terms of modes of consumption, production, communication and work.

Africa has worked hard to consolidate its position as a fertile breeding ground and propitious platform that supports innovation and the development of talent and skills, thanks to its natural wealth, the energy of its youth and its multiple and diverse economic potential, noted Akhannouch, explaining that in light of the economic turmoil and profound changes the world is experiencing, technology has become an essential lever for international economic development.

He said that "GITEX AFRICA" is a unique platform for exchanging views on the main opportunities and potential for making the African continent both a consumer and producer of digitization, emphasizing the need to encourage innovation and investment in this field in order to foster the emergence of unicorn companies, start-ups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as supporting technological innovations in promising sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and personal data protection.

He added that achieving this digital transformation requires, on the one hand, a suitable business climate and appropriate governance capable of attracting investors, and, on the other, effective investment in a reliable and inclusive digital infrastructure.

This position was expressed by Fox in a statement to the press following his talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita.

"It’s important that we focus on what is best" for the populations of the region "and that we look for a practical way forward in the politics of the region," he said.

"It is our responsibility as politicians and leaders to ensure that the quality of life, that standard of life and the security of our people are placed at the top of the agenda," Fox added.

Proposed by Morocco in 2007, the autonomy plan for the southern provinces now enjoys strong momentum and clear support from a growing number of countries, including Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Hungary, Romania, Portugal and Serbia.

In an article by Vinicius Costa, the website states that Morocco has risen to prominence as one of the trendiest for Western visitors due to its excellent infrastructure, stunning natural scenery, and world-class city breaks.

Noting that the North African country witnesses historical growth in tourism in 2023, the writer underlines that according to data released by the Tourism Ministry, up to 2.9 million tourists arrived in Morocco in the first quarter of 2023, a 17 percent increase compared to 2019 and a whopping 464 percent rise over 2022.

The website states also that Western visitors mainly Spanish, British, Italian and American are back to Morocco en masse, drawn to its boundless cultural wealth and attractive prices.

“Morocco’s openness to tourism and facilitated travel are not the only reasons it keeps growing in popularity”, the source states, adding that Morocco is a historic state boasting a rich ancient past intertwined with that of Southern Europe.

“One of the most famous cities to emerge as economic, cultural, and political centers, Marrakesh is a beautiful maze of sandstone buildings, madrasas, and charming cafes bustling with trade day and night”, the website indicates, noting that other 'imperial’ cities you shouldn’t miss on a visit to Morocco include Fez, the largest medina and pedestrianized urban zone in the world; Meknes, home to lush green, Mediterranean-style gardens and a Sultan’s mausoleum; and Rabat, the country’s surprisingly developed capital.

“Travel off Path”, which is one of the independent travel information sites in the world that attracts more than 3 million views per month, also highlights the natural wealth that distinguishes Morocco, from the coastal line to the desert through the mountainous regions.

To implement its plans in Morocco, Iberdrola and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, have sealed a partnership aimed at supporting clean energy and decarbonization in several countries, including Morocco, a statement by the global energy leader said on Tuesday.

Under this partnership, the two parties are already discussing a ''green loan'', linked to sustainability indicators, for the development of renewable energy projects in emerging countries such as Morocco, Poland and Vietnam, the same source noted.

"We are proud of our collaboration with Iberdrola in emerging markets. The loans we have signed represent the first step in a broader collaboration, which will foster the energy transition in Brazil, Poland, Morocco and Southeast Asia'', stressed Alfonso García Mora, IFC vice president for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, quoted in the statement.

“In these countries, Iberdrola is already making progress on several renewable energy projects," he added.

This rise is the result of price increases of 1.2% in the "Clothing industry", 0.6% in the "Manufacture of metal products" and "Manufacture of rubber and plastic products", 0.2% in the "Manufacture of electrical equipment" and 0.1% in the "Leather and footwear industry", explained the HCP in its recent note on the industrial, energy and mining output price index for April 2023.

It is also due to a 0.1% fall in the "Food industry", a 1.0% decrease in the "Textile industry", a 0.2% drop in the "Metal industry" and a 0.3% fall in the "Beverage industry".

Producer price indices for the "Mining and quarrying", "Electricity production and distribution" and "Water production and distribution" sectors stagnated in April 2023.

In a presentation on "Royal Air Maroc's situation and prospects" at a meeting of the Infrastructure, Energy, Minerals and Environment Committee of the House of Representatives, Addou said that RAM carried 5 million passengers in 2022, and achieved sales of 12.6 billion dirhams, down 22% compared to 2019.

He pointed out that in fiscal year 2022-2023 (starting November and ending October of the following year), RAM carried 2.7 million passengers to the end of March 2023, recording a recovery rate of 97% compared with 2019.

The airline strengthened its network during 2022 by launching routes to Tel Aviv and Dubai, and relaunched destinations in Miami, Doha and Las Palmas, he added, noting that RAM has secured a greater number of destinations for its customers, thanks to agreements signed with both El Al Israel Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways.

RAM will continue to strengthen its network in 2023 with the launch of new routes and the reopening of routes such as Porto, Seville, Tenerife, Las Palmas and Luanda, he underlined.

In addition, RAM has stepped up its involvement in the advanced regionalization and regional development project, he said, pointing out that as a major player in promoting national tourism and helping to open up certain regions, RAM has signed a series of agreements with various parties, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Ministry of the Interior and other authorities, with the aim of promoting domestic air transport.

The Conference will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and will bring together Speakers and members of parliament, religious leaders, representatives of civil society and experts to engage in constructive dialogue and share good practices in addressing key issues standing in the way of sustainable coexistence, according to a joint statement by the organizers.

The meeting is being held in cooperation with Religions for Peace, and with the support of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Mohammadia League of Scholars. It will also offer an opportunity for participants to jointly explore action points for building more peaceful and inclusive societies and to develop a roadmap for joint action, the same source noted.

During three days of debate, dialogue and reflection, participants will identify avenues of collaboration in areas such as peace and the rule of law, building a common future, gender equality and youth participation, trust and mutual recognition, solidarity, and inclusion, the statement stressed.

The Conference will conclude with the adoption of a high-level declaration.

The Kingdom of Morocco has been steadfast in promoting openness and tolerance, and has for many years hosted meetings and dialogue between different religions and civilizations. As set out in its Constitution, the Kingdom of Morocco is committed to the values openness, moderation, tolerance and dialogue in the interests of mutual understanding between all cultures and civilizations of the world.

As the international organization of the parliaments of sovereign States, the IPU has for many decades provided a unique and inclusive platform for parliamentarians of all nationalities, faiths and beliefs to work together to address the major challenges before the world.

The opening ceremony of this flagship event, placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, was attended by Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Ghita Mezzour, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, president of the Moroccan Employers’ Association (CGEM), Chakib Alj, director general of the Digital Development Agency, and other personalities.

Organized by the Digital Development Agency under the aegis of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, the three-day event brings together public and private sector leaders, political decision-makers, investors and academics for intensive exchanges between the public and private sectors of the world's future largest digital economy.

This major event is part of the Kingdom's efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation in the digital field, and contribute to the international promotion of the African continent, as it aims to endorse multi-sector technological innovation and the digital transformation of Africa.