« Morocco is in the process of consolidating its position as a privileged partner of the European Union, attracting investment and signing agreements to connect to the future European clean hydrogen market'', noted the Spanish portal in an article under the title ''Morocco's plan to become the new energy power''.

As a "future power producer" and "regional energy hub", Morocco has already launched its first solar-powered hydrogen production plant, and projects itself as "a future major producer", it noted.

It added that these projects and its proximity to Europe, which is in the midst of an energy transition, have already put Morocco in the spotlight as a "regional energy hub".

With green hydrogen, Morocco is opting for "one of the most comprehensive energy strategies in North Africa", stressed EOM.

In order to place Morocco in the club of countries with high potential in this sector of the future and respond to the multiple projects carried out by investors and world leaders, His Majesty King Mohammed VI gave, in November 2022, His High Instructions to draw up, as soon as possible, an operational and attractive "Morocco Offer" covering the entire value chain of the green hydrogen industry in Morocco, including not only the regulatory and institutional framework, but also the necessary infrastructure.

The Kingdom is represented at the meeting, held under the theme "Towards a renewal of cultural action in the Islamic world", by Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (Culture Department), Samira Lamlizi, and Youssef Khiyara and Rachid Mustapha, respectively Director of Heritage and Head of Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture.

The conference, chaired by Qatar, is meant to contribute to the debate on the renewal of joint cultural action and ways of strengthening and developing cooperation between the countries of the Islamic world.

The agenda includes several working sessions focusing in particular on the valorization of living human treasures and traditional knowledge in the Islamic world, the development mechanisms of ICESCO's Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World Program, and the strategy to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property.

The Conference's proceedings will culminate in the adoption of the Doha Declaration on the renewal of cultural action in the Islamic world.

The facility to Dislog will consist of two tranches. €24.5 million will be used to acquire Steripharma, a local pharmaceuticals manufacturer that provides affordable specialty generics medicines to replace expensive original products in the treatment of life-threatening diseases, a press release from the EBRD says.

The remaining €10 million loan will finance the construction of a new green-certified industrial building and logistics platform as well as the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, the Bank adds.

The new PV panels are expected to generate energy to power the building and will help reduce CO2 emissions. This tranche will be supported by a guarantee from the European Union (EU) through its European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD), in line with the objective of the EU-Morocco Green Partnership.

The investment will enable Dislog to expand into the pharmaceuticals industry and capture higher added value in the supply chains in Morocco. The acquisition of Steripharma will complement Dislog’s established competence in reaching a wide network of small distribution outlets and help increase profit from its existing distribution channels and logistics chains.

The loan will be accompanied by a technical assistance project funded by the EU through the EFSD programme to upgrade its human resources policies by implementing a dedicated Gender Diagnostic and Action Plan, according to the same source.

Dislog will also receive a grant from the FINTECC Programme, which helps companies in participating EBRD economies to implement innovative climate technologies. The programme is part of, and financed through, the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition approach and is supported by the Global Environment Facility and the European Union.

Dislog is a leading distributor of fast-moving consumer goods covering more than 70.000 retailers across the country. Founded in 2005, the company has diversified its activities into industrial production in agribusiness products, hygiene and pharmaceuticals.

Morocco is a founding member of the EBRD and became a beneficiary of Bank resources in 2012. To date the EBRD has invested €4.2 billion in the country through 95 projects.

At the beginning of its proceedings, the Council will examine a draft law granting the status of "Ward of the Nation" to child victims of the Al-Haouz earthquake, followed by a draft decree-law creating the Agency for the Rehabilitation and Development of the High Atlas, the same source adds.

It will then examine a draft decree on the status of civil servants in the Department of National Education.

The Council will conclude its work by examining proposals for appointments to higher office in accordance with the provisions of Article 92 of the Constitution, according to the same source.

In addition, the government will hold a meeting at the end of the Council's proceedings to examine proposed legislation, concludes the statement.

The postponement of the game was due to the earthquake that struck the Al Haouz region, necessitating a later date for the fixture.

Morocco's national team had already secured their place in the AFCON finals last March after a draw (2-2) between South Africa and Liberia in Group K. In previous match days of this group, Morocco defeated South Africa (2-1) and Liberia (2-0).

This group only consists of three teams after Zimbabwe was suspended by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

This match serves as preparation for the 34th edition of the AFCON, which will be held from January 13 to February 11 in Côte d'Ivoire, said the FRMF on its website.

In their last friendly game, the Atlas Lions beat Burkina Faso 1-0 on September 12 at the Stade Bollaert Delelis in Lens (France).

The only goal of the match was scored by midfielder Azeddine Ounahi in the 36th minute.

All activities previously scheduled for this edition will be maintained, added the CCM in a press release.

On Friday, the MASI had closed with a gain of 0.07%.

This drop is due to a 4% fall in prices for "Metallurgy", a 1.4% rise in prices for "Clothing" and a 0.2% increase in prices for "Food", explains the HCP in its information note on the Industrial, Energy and Mining Producer Price Index.

The producer price index for the "Extractive industries" sector fell by 0.1% in August, adds the same source.

On the other hand, producer price indices for the "Electricity production and distribution" and "Water production and distribution" sectors stagnated over the same period.

Wesley Brito took the world crown from France's Noé Cuyala with a score of 16.37 to 15.74, while Moona Whyte was crowned champion after beating Spain's Nia Suardiaz 13.13 to 12.56.

American Cash Berzolla took the title at Dakhla after winning a tight final against Frenchman Malo Guénolé 18.14 to 17.93. Third place went to France's Axel Gérard.

In a statement to MAP, Wesley Brito expressed his delight at being crowned World Champion in the Wave competition of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup, adding that he had worked hard to win the title.

He stressed that he was delighted to be taking part in the world championship in Dakhla, a town he greatly admires.

For her part, Moona Whyte said she was lucky to have some great waves that enabled her to extend her lead over Spain's Suardiaz, expressing her satisfaction with the world title.

Dakhla is the third and final stop on the GWA Wingfoil World Cup's Wave contest, with a prize money of $10,000. It follows on from Sal in Cabo Verde and Saquarema in Brazil.