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Morocco World
24 minutes ago
- Business
- Morocco World
India's Modi to Visit Morocco in July, Meeting with King Mohammed VI Planned
Marrakech – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Morocco in early July as part of a five-nation diplomatic tour. The visit to Rabat will mark the first stop in Modi's extensive journey spanning Africa, Latin America, and West Asia. According to Economic Times, the visit to Morocco has been in preparation for several years but was repeatedly postponed due to scheduling conflicts. Modi is expected to meet with King Mohammed VI during his stay in Rabat. Morocco holds strategic importance for New Delhi as an emerging security and economic partner in North Africa. The Indian newspaper describes Morocco as 'one of the key Arab states with a growing economy, and strong outreach in West Africa and southern Europe.' Other Indian media outlets went further, referring to the North African country as a 'strategic partner' with rising regional influence. In a May interview with Morocco World News (MWN), a senior diplomat from the Indian embassy in Rabat characterized the relationship as 'built on trust, shared ambitions, and a long-standing sense of mutual respect.' The diplomat stressed that 'India and Morocco share a time-tested and resilient partnership built on deep mutual respect, strategic convergence, and shared quest for the well-being and prosperity of our citizens.' The diplomatic tour comes shortly after Modi's recent re-election as India's prime minister. The visit aims to strengthen India's leadership position within the Global South and build a broader anti-terror coalition following the Pahalgam attack in India. The talks between Modi and the Moroccan monarch are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in several key sectors. Priority areas include energy, cybersecurity, smart agriculture, and African logistics chains. This planned meeting shows India's intention to broaden its influence beyond Asia, with Morocco positioned as a first-tier partner for the coming years. In late 2024, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of India's Tata Group, established a robust foothold in Morocco through a landmark defense production agreement. The partnership centers on locally manufacturing Wheeled Armoured Combat Vehicles (WhAP 8×8) and developing a regional hub for defense mobility equipment, exemplifying the growing South-South cooperation that both countries aim to advance in the defense sector. After Morocco, Modi will continue his tour with visits to Argentina, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jordan. His stop in Brazil on July 6-7 will coincide with the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he may meet with several global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. The BRICS Summit will address six priority areas under Brazil's chairmanship: reform of global governance, climate change, climate financing, global health, artificial intelligence, and economy and finance. Brazilian Ambassador to India Kenneth F. Haczynski da Nóbrega noted that the summit would produce a joint statement and specific declarations on climate change financing and artificial intelligence governance. The timing of Modi's visit comes just days after King Mohammed VI extended condolences to India following the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. In his message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the Moroccan sovereign expressed 'deep affliction' over the disaster that claimed at least 270 lives, offering 'sincere condolences and feelings of solidarity and compassion' to the president, the bereaved families, and the 'friendly Indian people.' Tags: King Mohammed VImorocco indiaNarendra Modi
Morocco World
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Gnaoua Festival Kicks Off with a Parade Full of Color, Rhythm, and Soul
Essaouira – Today marked the spectacular kickoff of the 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, and Essaouira rose to the occasion with a heartbeat all its own. The medina transformed into an open-air stage as the Gnawi parade 'à la marocaine' spilled into the streets, drawing locals, tourists, and lovers of music into a living, breathing celebration of culture and spirit. The Gnaoua artists presence alone could command silence — if not for the hypnotic pulse of the krakebs and guembri that followed him. Dressed in a deep navy tunic embroidered with gold, El Kasri led with a quiet authority and timeless energy that stirred even the most jaded smartphone holders into real-time reverence. And then came the voice. Gliding into the rhythm with grace and power was Moroccan songstress Abir El Abed, adding a celestial layer to the deeply grounded Gnaoua beats. Draped in jewel-toned silks that fluttered with every step, she moved through the procession like poetry — equal parts fire and water. Her voice, soft and sharp in all the right ways, floated above the percussion like a blessing. They weren't alone. Troupes of maalems — each representing a different city, lineage, or school of Gnaoua — marched alongside, radiating individuality through their traditional attire. From flamboyant purples to desert ochres and seafoam greens, the color palette was as diverse as the rhythms. Some wore cowrie-covered hats, others clutched talismans passed down generations. One moment you were clapping to the beat; the next, you were caught in a trance. The crowd? An eclectic blend of generations and geographies. Elderly men in djellabas nodded with recognition at ancestral songs. Gen-Z fashionistas filmed TikToks with krakebs in hand. French, Spanish, and American tourists clapped to beats they didn't know but felt deep in their bones. It wasn't just a parade. It was a pulse. And Morocco World News was right there in the middle of it all, gathering all of the moments. Whether you're on your couch in Casablanca or tuning in from Tangier, consider us your front-row pass to everything this weekend has to offer. Expect exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes peeks, and style deep-dives. The maalems are the soul of this festival — so if you've ever wondered how it feels to carry a musical legacy through centuries, or how Gnaoua mixes with jazz and soul, you'll want to stay tuned for our conversations with them. . So comment away. Want spiritual insight? Want to know what everyone's wearing? Dying for a soundbite from backstage? You dream it, we'll chase it. The Gnaoua and World Music Festival is officially in full swing — and trust us, you don't want to miss a beat. Tags: Gnaoua Festival 2025
Morocco World
a day ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Turkish Company Shows Interest in Morocco's LNG Market as Bridge to Energy Transition
Cape Town — As Morocco accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, Turkish company Karpowership is positioning itself as a strategic partner to help bridge the country's energy needs through innovative floating liquified natural gas (LNG) solutions. Ali Hjaiej, Karpowership's Vice President of Sales for Africa, outlined the company's vision for Morocco during an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) on the second day of Africa Energy Forum, which is being held from June 17-20 in Cape Town, South Africa. Hjaiej explained how floating power generation could complement the North African country's ambitious green energy goals. 'Morocco is taking a leader place in terms of renewable energy in the region in North and West Africa with huge projects in solar, wind, and wherever,' Hjaiej noted. However, he stressed that thermal power generation remains 'mandatory' to ensure a sustainable energy mix with reliable baseload capacity. Karpowership operates floating power plants installed on barges, offering what Hjaiej describes as a 'plug and play full value chain of LNG to power.' The company currently serves over 17 countries worldwide, including 10 African nations, and leads energy generation in West Africa with a capacity of more than 1,700 MW. Hjaiej noted that timing appears strategic for Morocco, which is awaiting the completion of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline — a major regional infrastructure project designed to supply reliable natural gas to the country — or any other gas projects. He believes that his company's floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) are an ideal transition solution for Morocco. 'Some alternatives can be proposed by Karpowership with a floating regasification and storage unit,' he explained. 'This can be a bridge solution till the pipeline will be ready for the next years.' The floating approach offers distinct advantages over traditional infrastructure, according to Hjaiej. Unlike fixed pipelines that tie countries to specific suppliers, LNG solutions provide flexibility to 'buy gas from East or the West wherever who can offer the best offer for the country.' This flexibility aligns with Morocco's broader energy security strategy. The North African country has been diversifying its energy sources while building one of Africa's most ambitious renewable energy programs, including massive solar projects like the Noor complex in Ouarzazate. Karpowership's technology utilizes high-efficiency combined cycle reciprocating engines capable of running on multiple fuel types, including liquid fuel, natural gas, and LNG. The modular nature of the floating plants allows for rapid deployment and scalable capacity adjustments based on demand. 'The combination of floating solution to deliver gas for the country and the pipeline as a long-term solution can be the best alternatives for Morocco today,' Hjaiej pointed out, focusing on how the approach could provide immediate access to reliable gas while longer-term infrastructure develops. As Morocco continues balancing its renewable energy leadership with baseload power requirements, Karpowership believes its floating LNG solutions represent a pragmatic approach to energy transition in the country — offering the reliability needed today while supporting Morocco's green energy vision for tomorrow. The country has ambitious plans to supply its energy demands from renewable energy, aiming to reach at least 52% of installed energy capacity from renewable energy by 2030, with reports indicating that it has a capacity of 45%. Tags: karpowershipLNG MoroccoMorocco energy
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Africa's Third Way: Innovating Between the phygital and the Digital
Rabat – In the last decade, Africa has witnessed a surge of science-based startups tackling everything from renewable energy to precision agriculture. Homegrown innovators are turning research into real-world solutions tailored to the continent's needs. But among the wave of new ventures, those working in deep tech, including companies built on breakthroughs in science and engineering, are still relatively rare. Unlike typical digital startups, deep-tech ventures require more time, more capital, and more infrastructure to bring an idea from lab to market. They deal with technologies like advanced materials, blockchain security, or robotics, which are fields with high potential but often limited investor appetite due to longer development cycles and uncertain returns. Still, interest is growing. While overall tech investment in Africa dipped in 2023, deep tech has quietly gained ground, as institutions and entrepreneurs begin to realize its potential to solve problems that digital apps alone can't. In the wake of this shift, Morocco World News spoke with Hafid Griguer, Deputy Director of the Digital Innovation Center for Excellence and co-founder of SensThings, to explore how deep-tech spin-offs are charting a new course in Africa's innovation landscape. Bridging the physical and digital SensThings began as a research project within UM6P's Digital Innovation Center for Excellence (DICE). 'SensThings was born from a clear vision: to turn issues of trust and traceability in Africa into opportunities for innovation,' explains Griguer. Drawing on a patented 'phygital' technology, one that marries physical documents with secure digital identities, the T3 platform (Trust, Track and Trace) tackles challenges like document forgery and opaque supply chains. In regions where a single power outage can cripple a fully digital system, SensThings' approach preserves the integrity of paper-based documents while embedding a tamper-proof digital layer. This blend of physical and digital avoids the common trap of forcing institutions to go entirely paperless. Instead of replacing diplomas or certificates, SensThings enhances them with a secure digital identity, making them verifiable through a simple scan. But developing a deep-tech startup in Africa means navigating both scientific complexity and local realities. Griguer explained that they faced the need to build resilient solutions that could withstand infrastructure constraints, unstable electricity, limited internet connectivity, and even cyber threats. Early on, UM6P Ventures, the university's arm for incubation and investment, provided a team of entrepreneurship experts who guided SensThings from concept to company. This holistic support included legal structuring, economic modeling, and fundraising preparation, all tailored to Africa's emerging-market context. 'The UM6P Ventures ecosystem enabled us to develop this innovative approach by providing access to research infrastructure and the necessary expertise to create solutions that are both high-tech and robust,' Griguer explained. A technology tested at scale The real value of SensThings' T3 solution has been proven in large-scale deployments. Beyond securing high-school diplomas, the system has protected over 15 million exam copies, as it ensured both anonymity and traceability throughout the assessment process. 'Each document or product is given a unique digital identity that inextricably links the physical object to its digital data,' Griguer explains. Blockchain underpins the platform's security and guarantees that any attempt to alter a record is immediately detectable. Even if the digital component goes offline, the paper document remains valid, an essential feature in regions prone to power or network outages. Thanks to UM6P Ventures, SensThings moved rapidly from laboratory prototype to commercial startup. Just months after incorporation, the company achieved a valuation exceeding $10 million, an early milestone that reflects both investor confidence and the strength of its business model. 'A dedicated team of experts guided us through all critical stages: legal structuring, economic modeling, fundraising preparation, and go-to-market strategy,' Griguer reflects. Participation in Startgate, UM6P's resident incubation program, further accelerated SensThings' development through peer learning and networking. Global recognition and local impact In 2023, SensThings' unique approach that blends physical and digital technologies earned the company a nomination for the World Summit Award, a global recognition of digital innovation that drives social change. But for the team behind SensThings, the real reward lies closer to home. Their work focuses on something often overlooked: trust in official documents. By securing academic records, SensThings helps students access new opportunities, makes it easier for graduates to prove their qualifications, and supports institutions in maintaining credibility both locally and internationally. In Morocco, the Ministry of National Education adopted the system for all baccalaureate certificates and transcripts. Students benefit from instant diploma verification, which accelerates university admissions and job applications, particularly important in regions where paperwork delays can cost real opportunities. 'Several Moroccan and international universities are adopting our solutions not only to secure their diplomas but also to strengthen their programs' international visibility and improve graduates' career prospects,' according to Griguer. While education was the starting point, the underlying technology is designed for broader application. In sectors like agriculture or manufacturing, the same system can be used to track supply chains, verify product authenticity, or even engage consumers directly. This offers an adaptable framework for building trust in complex environments. For many deep-tech ventures, the tension between commercial sustainability and social impact can be hard to navigate. SensThings' rapid growth, however, proves that these aims can reinforce one another. 'Our rapid valuation of over $10 million demonstrates that social impact solutions can generate significant economic value when well structured,' he said. For SensThings, resilient technology is a commercial advantage in emerging markets. By ensuring uninterrupted functionality, even under adverse conditions, their solutions meet practical needs while generating long-term revenue. Profits are reinvested into R&D to enable continuous innovation and keep prices accessible for public institutions. Griguer reiterated UM6P Ventures' support to build a 'strong business model that attracts investors while serving the public good,' adding that its approach 'proves it's possible to reconcile entrepreneurial excellence with a social mission.' Lessons for the African deep-tech ecosystem SensThings' journey offers several key lessons for scientific entrepreneurship across Africa. First, local constraints should be viewed not as obstacles but as design drivers. Solutions tailored to these realities can outperform generic, off-the-shelf technologies. In addition, university ecosystems like UM6P Ventures play an important role by bridging the gap between research and market. Holistic support that combines lab access, mentorship, and capital has proven effective in accelerating the path from idea to impact. The success of SensThings also challenges a common myth in tech development: that innovation means abandoning the old entirely. By working with existing behaviors and infrastructure rather than against them, deep-tech ventures can accelerate adoption and ensure their solutions are truly sustainable. Looking ahead, Griguer envisions an Africa that not only adopts technologies from abroad but leads global innovation in areas where resilience and adaptability are paramount. 'Africa is at a historic crossroads where science and entrepreneurship are converging to create authentically African solutions to the continent's challenges,' he says. SensThings, with the support of UM6P Ventures, 'proves that it's possible to develop cutting-edge technology from Africa, for Africa, and for the world,' Griguer argues. By demonstrating that deep-tech startups can thrive on the continent, SensThings hopes to inspire future entrepreneurs to turn their research into ventures that deliver real-world benefits. Tags: AfricaentrepreneurshipStartups
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Moroccan Students Contribute Over €133 Million to Spain's Economy
Rabat – Spain is not only getting revenues from trade exports but also from education, as over 7,263 Moroccans were enrolled in Spanish universities in the last academic year. Data shared with Morocco World News from StudiesIn estimates that a Moroccan student enrolled in a public university in Valladolid could pay around €8,360 in tuition over four years. This is in addition to living costs that could range between €7,200 to €14,400. The study shows that studying at a private university like Madrid or Barcelona would require higher budgets. ' Using a conservative estimate of €15,560 per student (based on affordable cities like Valladolid), the total spending by the 7,263 Moroccan students currently studying in Spain would be: 7,263 students × €15,560 = approximately €113 million over four years,' the source said. This means that the number could exceed €200 million if many Moroccan students are based in cities with higher living and tuition costs, or if they are enrolled in private universities. StudiesIn also shared the overall number of international students that signed up for Spanish-based universities, noting that the European country welcomed a record of 241,777 international students in the 2022-2023 academic year, up from 224,080 in the previous season. This also represents a strong rebound from 175,382 students in 2020-2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Moroccan students are drawn to Spain for a variety of reasons,' the study said, noting the availability of academic programs in both Spanish and English. The factors also include a 'strong reputation for high-quality public and private universities' as well as the opportunity to live in a diverse environment with international student communities from different backgrounds. 'Spain's geographic closeness, shared history, linguistic, and cultural familiarity also make it a particularly appealing choice for Moroccan families,' the same source added. also highlights the costs Spanish universities charge students depending on the region. In Madrid, a bachelor's degree could cost between €66,200 in a public university, while the number could be nearly double in a private university (€105,200).' In Barcelona, public schooling could be similar to Madrid's rates or more, ranging between €62,240 and €95,040 at public universities. But the budget is estimated at more than €165,760 in private universities. Four-year costs for a bachelor's degree in Valencia at a public university range between €50,000 and €69,000, while the budget could exceed €133,000 at private universities. In Seville, the total budget could be between €30,000 and €60,000 in a public school. For StudiesIn, Valladolid is known for affordability, as public university students can spend between €15,560 to €22,760, while private university students may pay between €16,800 and €134,400 for four years. Tags: Education in MoroccoSpain and Morocco
