AGP Executive Report

Moroccans Abroad: A Moroccan woman was among three people killed when attacks hit two Saudi airports, with 36 others injured. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed the strikes; Saudi Arabia later said it had hit Houthi targets. Aerospace and Defence: At the Marrakech Air Show, Morocco signed deals to expand aerospace research, local aircraft production and counter-drone technology. Airbus and Safran also highlighted growing reliance on Moroccan suppliers, while Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 completed its maiden flight. New Government: Unions are urging Prime Minister-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri to prioritize purchasing power, public services and workers’ rights as she forms the cabinet. AFCON Dispute: The Court of Arbitration for Sport is hearing Senegal’s appeal against the decision to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch during the final. Agriculture: UAE-based Elite Agro announced a 140 million dirham investment to develop a 400-hectare farm in Morocco.

Government Priorities: As Prime Minister-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri builds a coalition, unions are demanding action on living costs, wages, health care and public services. AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s challenge to Morocco’s 3-0 award of the title goes before the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday; a ruling is not expected that day. Defence Industry: Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 has completed its maiden flight ahead of delivery. Indian firm MKU also plans a Moroccan plant to make body armour and electro-optics, with the site intended to serve African markets. Infrastructure: Morocco has launched $152 million in contracts to upgrade Fez’s stadium for the 2030 World Cup. A separate plan would develop a 20-megawatt AI data centre near Casablanca. Trade: Moroccan agri-food exports to the EU reached $2.9 billion in the first seven months of 2026.

Ceuta & Melilla Tensions: Spain’s King Felipe VI plans a visit to the occupied enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, a move Morocco says risks undoing years of improved cooperation and reopening a colonial-era dispute. Energy Cooperation: Switzerland is considering technical cooperation with Morocco on renewable hydrogen and synthetic fuels, aiming to build clean-energy supply chains and training with Moroccan partners. World Cup Infrastructure: Moroccan contractor SGTM won a MAD 2.825bn contract to modernize the Fez Sports Complex ahead of the 2030 World Cup, with upgrades tied to FIFA standards and sustainability targets. Airpower Modernization: Lockheed Martin says Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 has completed its maiden flight and will move into flight testing before delivery. FX Pressure: Morocco’s dirham is under renewed pressure as imports outpace exports, tightening demand for dollars and euros. EU Security Talks: The EU and Morocco held a high-level security dialogue in Brussels focused on counterterrorism and cybersecurity. Flood Disruption: Flooding in southern Morocco cut roads linking Smara with Laayoune and Tan-Tan as heavy rain warnings remain in place. Higher Education Policy: Morocco will waive formal diploma equivalence and entrance exams for many newly admitted international students, with universities still reviewing academic fit for specific programs. Agriculture Exports: Morocco showcased local food products at Abu Dhabi Global Food Week, pushing cooperatives and producers toward Gulf export deals.

Morocco’s new government talks: Fatima-Ezzahra El Mansouri has started decisive negotiations to build a governing coalition after PAM’s election win, with portfolio allocation and gender-parity debate shaping the outline. Tourism push: The Moroccan National Tourist Office signed a three-year plan with Italy’s GNV to boost sea-linked travel, aiming to raise Italian departures to 350,000. Energy and industry: Morocco’s electricity bill pressure is easing in the region as more firms shift to off-peak power, while separate coverage flags Morocco’s broader power demand challenge. Cyber capacity in Rabat: A “Cyber Academy” cybersecurity training program for African leaders has kicked off in Rabat. Film and culture: Sale’s 19th film festival spotlights Moroccan women in cinema, with Arabic subtitles added for the first time. Sports—Morocco in the spotlight: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup squads include Morocco-linked coverage, while Senegal’s Afcon title dispute involving Morocco is set for a Swiss court hearing. Business and trade: Africa Food Show Morocco 2026 opens in Casablanca, bringing food and hospitality buyers under one roof.

Banking & Payments: Morocco and the UAE signed MoUs to strengthen central-bank supervision, Islamic finance cooperation, and explore direct links between instant payment systems and card switches—aiming to cut costs for Moroccans in the Emirates. Press Freedom: Amnesty reports Moroccan journalist Omar Radi was targeted with Pegasus spyware, describing years of surveillance and daily tracking. Business Climate: Morocco registered 60,908 new businesses in the first seven months of 2026, led by Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. Economy & Trade: Morocco’s agri-food exports to the EU reached about US$2.9B in the first seven months of 2026, alongside broader trade value updates. Sports Spotlight: Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Quintero and Short won the Rally of Morocco and took the W2RC lead with one round remaining. Politics/Regional: UN chief Antonio Guterres reiterated that Western Sahara autonomy under Morocco’s plan is the “most feasible outcome” for negotiations. Weather: Morocco issued an orange alert for heavy thunderstorms in southern provinces.

Government Formation: Morocco’s new PM Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri begins formal coalition talks after her PAM mandate, following a heated party council debate and amid speculation over which partners—RNI, Istiqlal, and others—will shape the next majority. Party Politics: The RNI’s National Council in Rabat says it is ready to join the next government, tasking its president Mohamed Chouki with managing participation “according to national interest.” Central Banking & Finance: Bank Al-Maghrib and the UAE central bank (CBUAE) sign MoUs to deepen cooperation on banking supervision, Islamic finance, and payment systems, including exploring links between instant payment platforms and messaging. Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN chief Antonio Guterres reiterates that Morocco’s autonomy plan is the basis for negotiations, urging “good-faith” talks and meaningful consultation with the people of Western Sahara. Economy & Business: Morocco registers 60,908 new companies in the first seven months of 2026, led by Casablanca-Settat, with trade and construction/real estate taking the biggest shares. Environment: A Greenpeace report estimates plastic pollution costs Morocco about MAD 12 billion a year, highlighting mismanaged waste and the rural collection gap. Security/Defense Industry: Oshkosh Defense announces a follow-on order for Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces—50 HET A1 tractors and 50 heavy-duty trailers—supporting logistics modernization.

Morocco–Mali Football: Morocco’s Atlas Lions were held 1-1 by Mali in Tangier, ending the October international window without a third straight win; Abde Ezzalzouli scored from a penalty, with Gaoussou Diarra equalising in the 77th minute, in front of 65,000 fans. FIFA Ranking: The draw also pushed Morocco down to 7th in the live FIFA world rankings. Ceuta Migration: Spanish authorities cleared the El Trampolín beach camp in Ceuta, moving nearly 600 migrants back to Morocco voluntarily as part of a wider operation ahead of King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s visit. Morocco Politics: The PPS is set for a key Central Committee meeting in Rabat on Tuesday to decide whether to join the next government after Fatima Zahra El Mansouri was tasked with forming it. Healthcare Poll: An Afrobarometer survey finds many Moroccans fear they can’t afford medical care, but support for universal healthcare funding via higher taxes is low. Pharma Oversight: Morocco’s medicines regulator warns companies against unapproved promotional advertising, tightening checks after compliance gaps. Sports Development: NBA Africa, OCP’s Act4Community and EVOSPORT launch a second season of Jr. NBA/WNBA and NBA Basketball School programs in Morocco, reaching 2,000 youth.

Flydubai Terror Probe: Royal Air Maroc denied claims the Flydubai co-pilot accused of a cockpit attack ever worked for the Moroccan airline, saying his 2025 application was rejected and he had no employment ties. Public Health: An Afrobarometer survey finds 73% of Moroccans fear they can’t afford medical care, while only 48% back higher taxes to fund universal healthcare. Healthcare Crisis: Morocco reported a diphtheria death in Youssoufia after a child tested positive; officials say the province is stable and contacts are being tested. Migration in Ceuta: Spanish police cleared a migrant camp on Trampolín beach ahead of King Felipe’s visit, relocating people to temporary accommodation or offering return to Morocco. Fertilizer Supply Watch: Morocco became China’s top ammonia destination in May, taking 27.6% of shipments—key for OCP’s phosphate production amid global supply disruptions. Airshow & Finance: UAE firms will showcase defence and aerospace at Marrakech Airshow 2026, while CBUAE and Bank Al-Maghrib signed MoUs to boost supervision and Islamic finance cooperation. Sports (Morocco): Morocco plays Mali in a friendly Sunday at the Grand Stade de Tanger; Mazraoui misses with injury.

Flydubai Terror Probe: UAE says a flydubai co-pilot used a crash axe in the cockpit in an attempted “terrorist act” on an Israel-bound flight, while investigators probe how he was hired and whether Australian links played a role. Royal Air Maroc Clarification: RAM says the suspect only completed short theoretical training in 2025 and was rejected, pushing back on claims of a longer link. Morocco-Algeria Border Push: A Moroccan expert urges Rabat to build a detailed historical and legal case for the disputed border using colonial-era maps and U.S./French records. Public Health Alert: Morocco reports a diphtheria death in Youssoufia and warns of school monitoring concerns after suspected cases. Universal Health Care Poll: An Afrobarometer survey finds 48% of Moroccans back higher taxes to fund universal health care, but 73% fear they can’t afford care. Economy & Finance: Morocco approved a €349.1m World Bank loan for climate and risk financing; Bank Al-Maghrib and the UAE central bank signed MoUs to boost supervision and cross-border payments. Sports: Wydad beat Difaâ El Jadida 2-0; Morocco U-20 qualified for AFCON after a 2-0 win over Egypt; CAF set 2026 Women’s Champions League dates (Nov 1–15). Security/Crime: Europol says Moroccan authorities arrested three suspects tied to cross-border “violence-as-a-service” networks.

Flydubai Terror Case: UAE prosecutors say Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami used a crash axe to attack the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft on the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight; investigations are ongoing and new reports add scrutiny to his past training and alleged extremist links. Ceuta Returns Dispute: Two testimonies from people sent back after the Benítez beach eviction in Ceuta challenge Spain’s “voluntary return” claims, with Interior insisting affected people had options. Morocco’s New Government: Fatima Zahra El Mansouri’s appointment as head of government was formally published in Morocco’s Official Gazette, following the Sept. 23 election. Sahara Diplomacy: GCC states reiterated support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan at the UN Fourth Committee, as UN Security Council talks on MINURSO are set for Oct. 7-8. Diaspora Money: Remittances rose 9% to $9.8bn through August, alongside higher tourism receipts. Finance & Payments: Bank Al-Maghrib and the UAE central bank signed MoUs to boost supervision and explore interlinking payment systems and Islamic finance cooperation. Tourism Economy: Morocco’s tourism revenues hit MAD 97.9bn in the first eight months of 2026, up 9.7%, with 14.1m visitors by end of August. Logistics Push: La Voie Express Group will invest MAD 100m in a new logistics platform near Agadir, aiming to expand warehousing and distribution capacity.

Automotive Subsidies: Morocco plans to speed up processing of carmakers’ and suppliers’ investment subsidy claims by hiring technical assistance to verify and validate the often voluminous documents, aiming to keep disbursements flowing and investment momentum. Water Infrastructure: The government is preparing a second phase of its “water highway,” linking the Sebou and Oum Er-Rbia basins to transfer nearly 800 million cubic metres a year, boosting drinking water for the Rabat-Casablanca area and irrigation for about 176,000 hectares. Agri-Exports: Moroccan blueberry exports to Switzerland jumped 75% in 2026, reaching 655 tons worth over $8.9m, with Morocco moving into Switzerland’s top five suppliers. Banking Expansion: Attijariwafa Bank is set to buy 55.22% of Société Générale Ghana (with SSNIT taking the rest), expanding Morocco’s footprint in West Africa. Logistics & Trade: DHL has named Morocco a “Geographic Tailwinds” priority market, citing its role as a bridge between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. Politics & Justice: Morocco ordered preventive detention of Tangier’s mayor over alleged electoral fraud tied to the Sept. 23 vote. Sports Court: CAS will hear Senegal’s appeal over the disputed 2025 AFCON final against Morocco on Oct. 8.

Morocco’s energy squeeze: Electricity demand surged 9.4% in the first seven months of 2026 while domestic production rose only 2.5%, driving higher imports and weaker exports; renewables under Law 13-09 grew, but the gap is widening. Politics & governance: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri continues coalition talks in Rabat after Morocco’s historic appointment of its first woman prime minister, as parties weigh seats and the PJD signals it will stay out. Sahara diplomacy: The UN Security Council is set to hold October talks on MINURSO ahead of a vote on renewing the mission, with briefings expected from key UN envoys. Rights & surveillance: Amnesty renews pressure on Rabat with a report alleging years of spyware and other surveillance tools used against journalists and civil society, including claims tied to Pegasus. EU migration fallout: The EU approved tougher return rules for people with no right to stay, with Ceuta’s July crisis cited as a backdrop. Public safety: A police officer in Sidi Bennour died by suicide amid a sexual assault probe. Weather: Morocco faces heatwave conditions and thunderstorms with possible hail and strong winds through Sunday.

Ceuta/Melilla Border Response: Frontex chief Hans Leijtens says the EU should better connect early-warning signals after the July migrant surge in Ceuta, but insists member states keep command; the Commission is floating a rapid-response team that could deploy fast at a state’s request. Ceuta Visit Tensions: Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will visit Ceuta and Melilla on Oct. 13-14, their first trip since the July crisis, with Pedro Sánchez not accompanying—raising new strain with Morocco. Spyware Accusations: Amnesty International alleges Morocco’s intelligence services used spyware, hidden microphones and pre-infected phones to surveil and “silence” journalists and activists, citing a former DGST employee and leaked material. Morocco’s Innovation Push: Morocco climbed to 54th in WIPO’s 2026 Global Innovation Index, leading the Maghreb. World Cup Vision: Morocco showcased its 2030 World Cup plan at Buenos Aires’ Olé Summit, linking the tournament to transport, infrastructure, tourism and renewables. New Government: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister after PAM’s election win. AFCON Title Fight: CAS will hear Senegal’s appeal against Morocco’s 2025 AFCON title on Oct. 8 in Lausanne behind closed doors.

Historic Appointment: King Mohammed VI named Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Morocco’s first female prime minister, tasking her with forming a new government after PAM’s election win—an unmistakable political shift with youth and housing expectations front and center. Public Finance: Morocco’s Treasury placed MAD 2.8 billion in surplus cash via short placements, signaling tight liquidity management as the new administration takes shape. Fuel & Transport Costs: Fuel prices are set to rise again, with diesel up 0.85 dirham and gasoline up 0.44, while authorities keep exceptional support for freight and passenger transport to avoid fare hikes. Energy & Trade: The US authorized Sustain Energy to export LNG to Morocco through 2050, and Volkswagen and Gotion announced a €3.66bn battery/materials plan that includes a Kenitra cathode project. Geopolitics & Borders: Italy extended Spain border controls for 15 days over Ceuta concerns, with estimates pointing to tens of thousands of irregular crossings from Morocco last July. Sports: CAS set an Oct. 8 hearing in Lausanne on Senegal’s appeal over the 2025 AFCON final outcome involving Morocco. Local Safety: A man died after a stray dog attack near Ait Ben Haddou, renewing calls for urgent municipal and veterinary action.

Historic Leadership: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a government after PAM won 97 of 395 seats—she vowed “real and practical solutions” for youth and said coalition talks will begin. Economy Watch: Morocco’s Q2 growth slowed to 4% (from 5.8% a year earlier), with non-agricultural activity cooling sharply while agriculture and fisheries accelerated. Aviation Upgrade: The AfDB approved a €270 million financing deal to modernize and extend Morocco’s airport infrastructure, boosting capacity targets across hubs like Marrakech, Agadir, Fez and Tangier. Industry & Trade: OCP is shifting more of its fertilizer mix toward TSP as sulfur prices surge, aiming to blunt raw-material shocks. Logistics Boost: Marsa Maroc deployed the first Liebherr LPS 550 in Africa to strengthen bulk operations at Casablanca Port. Sports Court Date: CAS set Oct 8 in Lausanne for the Senegal–Morocco AFCON 2025 final dispute hearing. AFCON Coverage: CANAL+ and SuperSport secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and the tournament across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Government Shake-Up: King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister, tasking her with forming a new government after PAM won 97 of 395 seats in the Sept. 23 parliamentary election; she said the moment is “truly historic” and will begin coalition talks. Pro-Palestine Pressure: Demonstrations across Moroccan cities renewed calls to end normalization with Israel as Rabat deepens ties with Tel Aviv, with reports of restrictions and arrests in some areas. Innovation Watch: Morocco climbed to 54th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, highlighting gains in intangible assets and industrial design activity. Trade & Agriculture: EU imports of Moroccan agri-food rose slightly to €2.66bn in Jan–July 2026 (+1%), while EU exports to Morocco fell 10% over the same period. Regional Security Diplomacy: Netanyahu’s expanded Abu Dhabi meeting reportedly included Morocco and focused on intelligence and a regional defense framework.