AGP Executive Report

Government Transition: Aziz Akhannouch has handed over to Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, Morocco’s first woman prime minister. The new cabinet’s 2027 budget priorities include MAD 25 billion for regional development. Sports: Morocco qualified for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after beating Libya 7-1 in the return leg. The country’s U-17 women also opened their World Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over New Zealand. Economy: Morocco’s trade deficit hit a record MAD 352 billion as imports outpaced exports, while its current-account deficit doubled to MAD 42 billion. Western Sahara: The UN Fourth Committee endorsed the Security Council’s position on Morocco’s autonomy plan, marking a fresh diplomatic development for Rabat.

U-17 World Cup: Morocco opened its campaign with a 4-0 win over New Zealand, making a strong start as host of the women’s tournament. Western Sahara: A UN General Assembly committee backed the Security Council’s approach, highlighting Morocco’s autonomy plan while retaining the principle of self-determination in its non-binding resolution. Defence: The US Army plans to test up to 15 counter-drone systems in Tan-Tan during 2027 exercises, aiming to speed new protections for troops. Trade: Morocco’s goods trade deficit hit a record MAD 352.3 billion in 2025, as imports rose 8% to MAD 822.3 billion and exports grew just 3%. Government and budget: King Mohammed VI has set 2027 budget priorities, including MAD 25 billion for regional development, as Prime Minister Fatima Zahra El Mansouri’s new government begins work.

New Government: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister. Her 31-member cabinet includes seven women, and is set to present its program to Parliament on Monday. 2027 Budget: The King’s priorities include MAD 25 billion for regional development, support for purchasing power and a new youth program. The government forecasts 4.7% economic growth this year and aims to cut the budget deficit to 3% of GDP. Women’s Football: Morocco opened its home U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over New Zealand, scoring all four goals after halftime. Defense: The US Army plans to test counter-drone technologies in Tan-Tan in spring 2027, aiming to deliver validated solutions to soldiers within 180 days. Health Industry: Moroccan drugmaker Sothema won approval for three cannabis-based epilepsy medicines developed with a local research foundation; they are not yet on sale. Trade: Morocco’s 2025 trade deficit widened 15.5% to MAD 352.3 billion as imports rose faster than exports.

New Government: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman head of government. The 32-member cabinet includes seven women; Fouzi Lekjaa takes the finance portfolio, while key ministers remain in place. El Mansouri says the government will pursue an ambitious program, due before Parliament on Monday, aimed at meeting citizens’ expectations. Agriculture: MPs are seeking to restart a parliamentary assessment of the Green Morocco Plan. Separately, researchers report that microwave imaging detected hidden red palm weevil pupae in trunk tests with about 93% accuracy, offering a potential new tool against a damaging crop pest. Women’s Football: Morocco hosts the opening day of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, with the national team facing New Zealand and Nigeria opening against Poland. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is in Morocco for the kickoff, praising the country’s growing role as a tournament host.

New Government: King Mohammed VI has sworn in a 32-member cabinet led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco’s first female prime minister. The four-party coalition includes seven women, retains key ministers and gives Fouzi Lekjaa the finance portfolio. Digital Strategy: Morocco has created a ministry for artificial intelligence, digital transformation and administrative reform, with a national roadmap targeting $10 billion in economic gains and 50,000 jobs by 2030. Agriculture minister Khalid Hatimi also takes on an explicit food-sovereignty mandate. Inclusive Education: Princess Lalla Asmaa inaugurated a Rabat university for hearing sciences, offering free programmes for deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing students. Futsal: Morocco routed Libya 6-0 to finish its Africa Cup of Nations group with three wins, 17 goals scored and none conceded, advancing to the semifinals.

New Government: King Mohammed VI chaired the appointment of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s cabinet in Rabat, with portfolios spanning finance, agriculture, energy and foreign affairs. Aerospace Industry: Safran opened a 5,700-square-metre expansion at its Temara plant, which employs more than 1,600 people and makes electrical systems for Airbus aircraft. Trade: Europe accounted for 59.8% of Morocco’s foreign trade in 2025, while trade with Asia grew faster, led by a 25.1% rise with China. Ceuta Tensions: Spain’s opposition leader called for naval deployment after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged Moroccan vessels entered Spanish waters during July’s migration surge; the EU says the matter is for Spain and Morocco to address. Energy: Morocco has begun prequalification for solar projects with a combined capacity of 350 megawatts.

Government Formation: King Mohammed VI has consulted with Prime Minister-designate Aziz Akhannouch as Morocco’s PAM-led coalition, backed by three allied parties, prepares to govern; lawmakers also elected Ahmed Touizi as speaker. Spain Ties: Tensions flared after King Felipe VI’s visit to Ceuta and claims that Moroccan warships entered its waters. Spain later described the incident as isolated, while the EU said the matter was for Rabat and Madrid to address. Rail Investment: Morocco is promoting new financing for African rail projects and plans to invest more than €10 billion in its own network by 2030, including extending high-speed service to Marrakech. Economy and Industry: The HCP sees growth accelerating to 4.7% in the fourth quarter. Safran’s expanded aerospace facility in Aïn Atiq is set to create 400 jobs, while Italian polymer group FEBO has opened a Tangier subsidiary. Social Policy: A UN report says Morocco has more than halved multidimensional poverty; authorities have also revoked 1,490 cannabis-sector licences over regulatory violations. Sports: Morocco’s U-17 women’s World Cup begins on home soil, with two Moroccan referees among the tournament officials.

Government: King Mohammed VI has been briefed on government formation, as Ahmed Touizi was elected speaker of the House of Representatives. Futsal: Morocco swept Zambia 7–0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, keeping its title defence on track at home. Industry: Safran opened an expanded Aïn Atiq plant, adding 5,700 square metres and paving the way for 400 jobs. Phosphates: OCP is seeking investors for its new Mzinda fertiliser hub as higher sulphur costs strain the project, while it plans to take full ownership of purified-phosphoric-acid producer EMAPHOS. Infrastructure: Morocco has outlined a $13 billion railway investment plan through 2030. Sahara talks: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura says negotiations are at a deadlock and has urged the Security Council to make autonomy the basis for the next phase.

Government Formation: King Mohammed VI met Head of Government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who briefed him on cabinet talks. The four-party coalition is still assembling its government. Parliament: Ahmed Touizi of PAM was elected speaker of the House of Representatives, winning 220 votes. Rail Investment: Morocco plans to spend about $13.5 billion on its rail network by 2030, including extending high-speed service to Marrakech and buying 168 trains. Futsal: The Atlas Lions beat Zambia 7-0 to make it two wins from two at the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, after a 4-0 victory over Algeria. Security: Moroccan authorities arrested a man Spanish police identify as the country’s biggest hashish trafficker, according to Spanish media. Spain Ties: King Felipe VI’s visit to Ceuta, where he reaffirmed Spanish sovereignty, has sharpened tensions over the enclave as Rabat avoids a public escalation.

Economy: Morocco grew 4.9% in 2025, with inflation at 0.8% and a narrower budget deficit, but structural unemployment remains a challenge. The HCP forecasts 4.7% growth in the final quarter of 2026, driven by agriculture, services and investment. Government: The new four-party coalition faces an Oct. 20 deadline to submit the 2027 budget as it works to form a cabinet led by Fatima Zahra El Mansouri. Spain ties: King Felipe VI’s visit to Ceuta renewed tensions after Spain acknowledged Moroccan naval vessels entered its waters during July’s migration crisis; Madrid described the incident as isolated and said relations with Rabat remain important. Industry: OCP plans to take full ownership of EMAPHOS, expanding its specialty phosphate business. Sport and culture: The El Jadida Horse Show is underway, while FIFA’s leadership crisis is drawing attention to Rabat, set to host the organisation’s presidential election in March 2027.

Ceuta Tensions: Spain’s King Felipe VI reaffirmed Spain’s sovereignty over Ceuta during his first royal visit since 2007, while calling for good relations with Morocco. The trip comes amid strained ties after July’s mass migrant crossing and renewed calls to reset migration cooperation. New Government: Morocco’s new four-party coalition, led by the country’s first female head of government, has 207 seats. PAM’s Ahmed Touizi was elected speaker of the House of Representatives with 220 votes. Development Agenda: King Mohammed VI has set out a new phase of development, urging the private sector to create jobs for young people and spread the benefits of growth. Industry: China’s Gotion plans to launch Morocco’s first battery gigafactory in Kenitra next week, a major step in the country’s push to attract industrial investment. Futsal: Hosts Morocco opened the Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-0 win over Algeria.

Ceuta and Spain: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s first visit to Ceuta since 2007 drew cheering crowds but revived tensions over the disputed territory. The trip follows July’s mass migration surge; King Mohammed VI has called for a reset in migration cooperation with Spain. New Government: PAM has secured a four-party coalition with Istiqlal, USFP and PPS, holding 207 of 395 parliamentary seats. Its leader, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, is set to form Morocco’s first government led by a woman. Parliament: The House is due to elect its speaker, with PAM’s Ahmed Touizi facing PJD nominee Idriss Azami. Investment: Chinese firm Hangyu Technology is moving a $117 million forging project from Slovakia to Tangier Tech City, citing clearer investment procedures in Morocco. Futsal: Morocco opened its home Africa Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over Algeria, led by Youssef Jouad’s hat-trick.

New Government: Election winner PAM has agreed to govern with Istiqlal, USFP and PPS, giving Prime Minister-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri a 207-seat majority. Cabinet appointments and a government program are next. Spain Tensions: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged that Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish waters near Ceuta during July’s mass migration crisis, calling the incursions isolated. The disclosure comes as Spain’s king visits Ceuta amid strained relations. Industry and Defense: Morocco’s deal with UAE firm EDGE brings precision weapons for its drones and plans for local production of small arms and aircraft propulsion systems. Airbus is also preparing a third Moroccan plant, expanding its industrial footprint by about 30%. Electric Vehicles: Gotion plans to start commissioning equipment at its Kenitra battery factory next week, an initial step toward annual capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours. Futsal: Morocco opened its home Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 4-0 win over Algeria.

Digital Security: Morocco CyberSecurity Week opened in Rabat, bringing officials and specialists together to address cybercrime, critical infrastructure and AI security. Futsal: The Africa Cup of Nations began in Rabat, where hosts Morocco are chasing a fourth straight title. Politics: King Mohammed VI opened the new parliamentary session with calls for economic reform, investment and greater focus on youth; lawmakers are due to elect a House speaker Tuesday. Morocco-Spain: Migration tensions persist as Spain clears a Ceuta camp before a royal visit, while King Mohammed VI says the current cooperation model has reached its limits and must respect sovereignty. Agriculture: UAE-based Elite Agro plans a $38 million, 400-hectare fruit farm in Sidi Yahya, growing avocados, mandarins and blueberries for local and export markets. Industry: Morocco’s aerospace drive gained momentum at the Marrakech Airshow, where agreements covered manufacturing, maintenance, drones and defense production.

Morocco–Spain: King Mohammed VI says the migration cooperation model with Spain has reached its limits and calls for a new framework based on mutual respect. Spain cleared Ceuta’s last major migrant camp ahead of King Felipe VI’s visit, as the border crisis and the cities’ disputed status keep tensions high. Agriculture: Improved rainfall has lifted dam reserves to 65.5%, more than double last year’s level. Farmers hope to expand cereal and legume planting to over five million hectares; Morocco and the US are also exploring joint agricultural research. Industry and Security: Marrakech Airshow showcased Morocco’s growing aerospace ambitions, with Israel’s first official air force delegation and new moves toward local defence production. Floods: Flash floods in southern Morocco killed at least two people and swept away vehicles and roads. Futsal: Morocco opens its home Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Algeria, aiming to defend its title and win a fourth consecutive crown.

Morocco–Spain: King Mohammed VI says the migration cooperation model with Spain has reached its limits and calls for a new framework based on mutual respect and sovereignty. Floods: At least two people died in flash floods in southern Morocco, which swept away vehicles, damaged roads and disrupted water infrastructure; authorities warned against crossing flooded routes. Agriculture: Morocco and the United States are exploring joint research on climate resilience, soil health, conservation farming and animal genetics. Defense Industry: The Marrakech Airshow wrapped up with new Morocco-UAE defense agreements, including an EDGE deal linked to local production. Israel also opened its first national defense pavilion at the event. Tourism: Four Seasons plans a Tangier resort with 99 rooms and suites, 27 villas and more than 260 metres of waterfront.