AGP Executive Report

Water Security: Morocco is targeting more than 1.8 billion cubic meters of desalinated water annually by 2031, with new plants planned and renewable power earmarked for the network. The country also expects dam storage capacity to exceed 24 billion cubic meters by the end of 2027. Western Sahara: A US-drafted Security Council resolution is expected to put Morocco’s autonomy plan at the center of negotiations; members are due to vote later this month. 2030 World Cup: Morocco’s proposed 2027 Finance Bill offers tax and customs exemptions for FIFA and tournament partners, with some measures lasting through 2032. Football: AS FAR and MAS Fez secured places in their respective CAF group stages, while Morocco’s U-17 women advanced to the World Cup last 16. Travel: Rabat-Salé Airport has introduced self-service baggage drop for Ryanair passengers, as the system expands across the country.

2030 World Cup: Morocco’s draft 2027 budget proposes tax and customs exemptions for FIFA and tournament partners, with some measures lasting through 2032. Energy Security: A Moroccan energy coalition is urging the government to restart the Samir refinery, warning that global supply disruptions expose the risks of relying on imported fuel. Trade and Taxes: Importers are concerned a proposed 5% advance tax on goods brought in for resale could add pressure on prices, though registered businesses may offset the payment. The 2027 budget also proposes income-tax exemptions for salaries below MAD 10,000. Western Sahara: A US military officer has left MINURSO as the Security Council considers a US-backed proposal to reshape the mission’s mandate and operations. Women’s Football: Morocco’s U-17 team has secured a place in the World Cup last 16, despite losing its final group match. Ghana also advanced after beating Canada 2-0. Electric Mobility: Casablanca hosts the EVS Mobility Expo from October 27 to 29, bringing together companies and officials to discuss vehicles, charging networks and investment.

Women’s Football: Morocco booked a place in the U-17 World Cup last 16 after Japan’s win over Venezuela secured the Atlas Lionesses’ progress, despite their 5-1 loss to Argentina. African Football: RS Berkane qualified for the CAF Champions League group stage with a 3-0 aggregate win over Sierra Leone’s Star Sport Academy. 2027 Budget: Morocco plans MAD 400 billion in public investment, while 87% of employees earning under MAD 10,000 a month are set to be exempt from income tax. The draft also allocates MAD 44.2 billion to social protection and MAD 19.4 billion to subsidies. Business and Trade: Morocco is courting Chinese investors, while Jet Energy plans a Casablanca IPO to raise up to $38 million for renewable-energy expansion. Agriculture: Morocco has reached its 2026 quota of 300,000 imported cattle, with Brazil supplying more than 90% of the animals.

2027 Budget: Morocco’s draft finance bill proposes income-tax relief for 87% of employees earning under MAD 10,000 a month, higher pensions and social assistance, and MAD 19.4 billion in subsidies for gas, sugar and wheat. The government is targeting a 3% budget deficit. Investment and Jobs: A policy review says the government’s test will be turning investment, including World Cup projects, into jobs and better public services. Dakhla Partnerships: A Somali delegation visited Dakhla-Oued Eddahab to explore cooperation in trade, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and energy. Spain Ties: Spain’s territorial policy minister urged politicians not to accuse Morocco without evidence, warning that worsening relations would hurt border regions. Food Prices: Morocco exhausted its 2026 duty-free cattle import quota of 300,000 head, with Brazil supplying more than 90% of imports.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco’s foreign minister spoke with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov as the UN Security Council weighs a US-backed draft that endorses Morocco’s autonomy plan and would reshape MINURSO. African Cooperation: Morocco presented the African Union’s position on youth, peace and security at UN talks, calling for young people to have a stronger role in conflict prevention and decision-making. In Rabat, UCESA and the AU’s ECOSOCC signed a cooperation agreement. 2027 Budget: The finance bill proposes tax relief for workers earning under MAD 10,000 a month, higher pensions and social assistance, and MAD 121.3 billion for education. It also raises the ceiling for advance defence commitments to MAD 190.5 billion. Economy and Agriculture: The African Development Bank approved $487 million to support Morocco’s economic reforms and climate resilience. Morocco has also reached its 2026 quota of 300,000 imported cattle, as drought and feed costs continue to pressure livestock supplies. Football: Raja Casablanca beat Nigeria’s El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

World Cup: Morocco’s U-17 women face Argentina in Rabat today, with a place in the knockout rounds on the line. Health and Transport: Four Moroccan truck drivers are hospitalized after suspected mosquito-borne infections contracted in Senegal; their illnesses have not been diagnosed, and transport operators are calling for medical services at Guerguerat. Justice: A Tangier court sentenced local RNI official Ahmed Zegaf to seven years in prison over alleged property fraud. Fertilizer Supply: Morocco imported 75,060 tonnes of ammonia from China in the first nine months of 2026 as global supply disruptions drive it to seek alternatives. Football: Wydad Casablanca named Nasreddine Nabi head coach on a one-year deal, while Morocco’s futsal team celebrated a record fourth straight continental title. Economy: The African Development Bank approved $487 million to support reforms and climate resilience; a World Bank report says the blue economy contributes 3.8% of GDP and supports nearly 495,000 jobs.

2027 Budget: Finance Minister Fouzi Lekjaa is due to present Morocco’s first budget under Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s government to a joint parliamentary session today. Government: Parliament approved the new government’s program by 204 votes to 127, after debate over living costs, corruption, jobs and public services. Its plans include high-speed rail to Agadir, new lines to Beni Mellal, and expanded desalination and water transfers. Economic Reform: The African Development Bank approved a $487 million loan to support Morocco’s reforms and economic resilience. Consumer prices rose 1% in September, with food prices up 1.6%. Futsal: Morocco beat Angola 5-2 to claim a record fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, its third in a row. Women’s Football: Morocco is hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with group-stage matches underway in Rabat.

Futsal: Morocco beat Angola 5–2 in Rabat to win a record fourth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title. King Mohammed VI congratulated the team on its achievement. Economic Reform: The African Development Bank approved $487 million to support Morocco’s structural reforms, private investment and resilience to economic and climate shocks. Water Security: The government is prioritizing desalination, small dams and water transfers, with plans for about 400 hydraulic structures and six new desalination plants as it works to secure supplies. Cost of Living: Consumer prices rose 1% in September from August, led by a 1.6% increase in food prices; annual inflation returned to positive territory at 0.5%. Trade: A 30,000-ton shipment of Chinese ammonia has opened a new supply route to Morocco, which relies on imports for a key fertilizer ingredient. U.S. Presence: The United States will offer consular services in Laayoune for the first time in November, as part of outreach in four Moroccan cities.

Futsal Triumph: Morocco beat Angola 5-2 in Rabat to claim a fourth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title, extending the national team’s dominance of the sport. Business and Industry: Morocco registered 66,277 new businesses in the first eight months of 2026, led by Casablanca-Settat. A Qatari-backed developer also plans a $239 million sustainable aviation fuel plant in Nador. Integrity and Digital Rights: The country’s financial regulators approved a 2027-28 roadmap to strengthen anti-corruption efforts. Separately, the government plans to ban social media use for children under 15. Public Safety: Four people were killed and 22 injured when a bus overturned in Zagora province; two critically injured passengers were transferred to Marrakech. AFCON Appeal: The Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to rule by the end of November on Senegal’s challenge to CAF’s decision to award Morocco the 2025 title.

Road Safety: Four people were killed and 22 injured when a bus overturned in Zagora province. The bus was travelling from Marrakech to M’Hamid El Ghizlane; an investigation is under way. Futsal: Morocco thrashed Egypt 6-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, where it faces Angola in Rabat. Government and Economy: The new government’s 2027 finance bill sets out a 5% growth target and promises action on living costs, jobs and social support. Morocco’s trade deficit has meanwhile hit a record MAD 352 billion as imports outpace exports. Agriculture and Trade: A new China-to-Morocco ammonia shipping route has begun with a 30,000-tonne cargo, adding a supply link for fertilizer production. Tourism: Moroccan airports handled 26 million passengers in the first eight months of 2026, up 8.8% year on year.

Government and Jobs: Morocco’s new government approved its 2027 finance bill, putting purchasing power, social protection and youth employment among its priorities. Its million-job pledge is less firm than first presented: only 250,000 positions are explicitly promised as net additions. Trade and Industry: A 30,000-tonne ammonia shipment from China is opening a direct route to Morocco, offering a new supply channel for fertilizer production as input costs rise. French supplier OPmobility has also opened its fourth Moroccan factory, in Kenitra, while a proposed EU “Made in Europe” deal could leave Moroccan-made cars outside some public incentives. Tourism: Moroccan airports handled 26 million passengers in the first eight months of 2026, up 8.8% year on year. The country plans 60,000 additional hotel beds by 2030 as it prepares to co-host the World Cup. Futsal: Morocco beat Egypt 6-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, where it will face Angola.

Government & Economy: Morocco’s council approved the 2027 finance bill as Prime Minister Fatima Zahra El Mansouri’s government sets a 5% average growth target for 2026–31. Household Costs: The EU butane import bill rose nearly 11% to MAD 2.04 billion in the first eight months of 2026, even as shipment volumes fell 11.4%. Investment: A Qatari- and Saudi-backed developer plans a $239 million sustainable aviation fuel plant in Nador, while French supplier OPmobility opened its fourth Moroccan factory in Kenitra, expected to add more than 100 jobs. Travel: Morocco’s airports handled 26 million passengers through August, up 8.8% year on year. Security: A US Army initiative will test up to 15 counter-drone systems in Morocco during African Lion 2027. Football: Morocco’s futsal team thrashed Egypt 6-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final; CAS is expected to rule by the end of November on Senegal’s appeal over the disputed 2025 AFCON title.

Futsal: Morocco swept past Egypt 6-0 on Monday to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, where the three-time defending champions face Angola on Wednesday in Rabat. Government Priorities: Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s program targets average annual growth of 5% through 2031, a deficit near 3% of GDP and public debt of about 62% of GDP by 2031, alongside job creation and social support. AFCON Appeal: The Court of Arbitration for Sport expects a full ruling by the end of November on Senegal’s appeal of CAF’s decision to award the 2025 title to Morocco. Market Watch: Morocco’s Competition Council reported 202 decisions in 2025, including 190 merger reviews and more than MAD 43 million in fines. U-20 Hosting: Morocco and Egypt are on standby to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations if Ghana cannot meet tournament requirements.

AFCON Appeal: The Court of Arbitration for Sport expects to rule by the end of November on Senegal’s challenge to CAF’s decision to award Morocco the 2025 title. Water Infrastructure: Morocco has launched 11 dam construction tenders worth more than $34 million as it continues to invest in water security. Equestrianism: The El Jadida Horse Show drew more than 160,000 visitors, with Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presiding over the King Mohammed VI Show Jumping Grand Prix awards. Government: King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman prime minister; Fouzi Lekjaa takes over the finance ministry. Defence: The U.S. Army plans to test counter-drone systems in Tan-Tan in spring 2027, building on military cooperation with Morocco. Energy: Morocco’s oil-product imports rose 9% in the first nine months of 2026, averaging 271,000 barrels a day. Women’s Football: Morocco opened its U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over New Zealand.

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.