## Moroccan Scientists Make Global Impact: Four Ranked Among World's Top 200

**Top Rankings Showcase Expertise in Diverse Fields**

Four Moroccan researchers have been recognized as some of the world’s most influential scientists, landing spots within the top 200 of the prestigious 2025 Academic Development Index (AD Index).  The index analyzed over 1.1 million scientific profiles using scientometric indicators like the h-index.

Leading the Moroccan contingent is Abdessalam Hamada of Hassan II University in Casablanca, ranked an impressive 40th globally. He boasts an h-index of 281 and over 392,000 citations for his significant contributions to research at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.

Close behind is Driss Benchakroun (131st globally), also from Hassan II University, with an h-index of 252. His work in quantum computing and nuclear physics further solidifies Morocco's position on the global scientific stage. 

Breaking barriers, Farida El Fassi from Mohammed V University in Rabat has become the first Moroccan woman to break into the global top 200, securing the 169th spot with an h-index of 247.  Fellow researcher Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli, also from Mohammed V, rounds out the top four at 182nd globally for her impactful work in medical physics.

Six other Moroccan scientists have also made their mark within the national top ten, spanning diverse fields from electrochemistry to sustainable agriculture, demonstrating the breadth of talent across Morocco's research community.  




## Moroccan Scientists Make Global Impact: Four Ranked Among World's Top 200

**Top Rankings Showcase Expertise in Diverse Fields**

Four Moroccan researchers h

Four Moroccan scientists ranked among world’s top 200 in glo

Four Moroccan scientists ranked among world’s top 200 in global academic index

## Gabon Retools Scholarships: Focus on Strategic Sectors & Budget-Friendly Destinations

**New policy aims to align education spending with national development goals and curb brain drain.**


Gabon will revamp its international scholarship program starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, prioritizing strategic sectors and cost-effective destinations. This shift comes directly from President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's directive to align education spending with national development goals and address concerns about "brain drain."

Scholarships will be reserved for fields such as agronomy, digital technologies, specialized medicine, renewable energy, and raw material processing.  The National Agency for Scholarships (ANBG) cited cost disparities as a key factor, noting that Morocco and Senegal offer significantly lower per-student expenses compared to traditional destinations like France, Canada, or the US.

"Those who go to the US or Canada never return," stated President Nguema, highlighting the retention challenge associated with sending students abroad. 

Morocco has emerged as a key academic partner for Gabon under this new South-South cooperation model. The ANBG praised Morocco's educational quality and cultural proximity as significant assets in this partnership.


  


## Gabon Retools Scholarships: Focus on Strategic Sectors & Budget-Friendly Destinations

**New policy aims to align education spending with national developmen

Morocco named key academic partner in Gabon’s education refo

Morocco named key academic partner in Gabon’s education reform

## Moroccan Dirham Gains Ground Against US Dollar

**Currency Fluctuations Reflect Market Activity**

The Moroccan dirham experienced a slight appreciation against the US dollar by 0.6 percent during the week of July 17 to 23, 2025. Meanwhile, it depreciated by 0.3 percent against the euro over the same period, according to Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM).

No foreign exchange auction operations were conducted by the central bank during this timeframe. Official reserve assets stood at 405.2 billion dirhams on July 18, marking a 0.5 percent weekly increase and an impressive 11.9 percent year-on-year surge.

**BAM's Intervention Strategy:**

BAM's average daily interventions totaled 128 billion dirhams during the week. This included:

* **7-day advances:** 49.5 billion dirhams
* **Longer-term repos:** 44 billion dirhams
* **Guaranteed loans:** 34.5 billion dirhams

Interbank trading averaged 3.5 billion dirhams per day, maintaining a stable rate of 2.25 percent.  A liquidity injection of 51.4 billion dirhams was executed on July 23.




## Moroccan Dirham Gains Ground Against US Dollar

**Currency Fluctuations Reflect Market Activity**

The Moroccan dirham experienced a slight appreciation agai

Dirham strengthens amid stable interbank rates

## **King Mohammed VI Extends Warm Wishes to Maldivian President on National Day**

**Royal Message Highlights Strong Ties and Future Cooperation**


His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a heartfelt message of congratulations to President Mohamed Muizzou of the Republic of Maldives, marking their national day.  

The Sovereign expressed his sincere best wishes for good health, happiness, and continued progress and prosperity for the Maldivian people. 

"I should like to take this opportunity to say how deeply satisfied I am with the close, fraternal relations, active solidarity, fruitful cooperation, and mutual esteem between our countries. I look forward to continuing to work with Your Excellency to strengthen our ties and expand our cooperation in various areas so as to fulfil our peoples’ shared ambitions,”  writes HM King Mohammed VI. 




## **King Mohammed VI Extends Warm Wishes to Maldivian President on National Day**

**Royal Message Highlights Strong Ties and Future Cooperation**


His Majest

King congratulates President of Maldives on national day

## Casablanca Stock Exchange Soars with 1.23% Weekly Gain

**MASI Benchmark Index Reaches New Heights, Fueled by Forestry and Mining Sectors**


The Casablanca Stock Exchange experienced a strong week of trading from July 21 to 25, with the MASI benchmark index surging 1.23 percent to close at 19,404.8 points.

**Sectoral Growth Drives Market Momentum:**

The forestry and paper sector led the charge with a remarkable 9.41 percent increase, followed by mining (+6.54 percent) and agricultural industries (+4.72 percent).  Conversely, food production (-5.94 percent), industrial engineering (-0.72 percent), and transport (-0.65 percent) saw declines during the week.

**Trading Volumes Surge Past 3 Billion Dirhams:**

Total trade volume exceeded 3 billion dirhams, with Vicenne (+29.43 percent), Bank of Africa (+11.44 percent), and TGCC (+11.17 percent) driving significant transactions. Market capitalization surpassed 1.02 trillion dirhams.


**Top Performers & Decliners:**

Vicenne led the gainers, skyrocketing by 29.43 percent for the week. Balima (+23.39 percent) and Minière Touissit (+11.39 percent) also posted impressive gains. Conversely, Rebab Company and Cosumar were among the top decliners.  





## Casablanca Stock Exchange Soars with 1.23% Weekly Gain

**MASI Benchmark Index Reaches New Heights, Fueled by Forestry and Mining Sectors**


The Casablanca 

Casablanca stock exchange climbs as MASI gains 1.23 percent 

Casablanca stock exchange climbs as MASI gains 1.23 percent in weekly performance

## Algeria Fights Back Against Potential U.S. Terror Label for Polisario 

**Diplomatic Scramble Follows Congressional Proposal with Serious Implications**

A recent U.S. congressional proposal to designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization has prompted Algerian officials into urgent diplomatic action. The initiative, introduced by Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta and Republican Congressman Joe Wilson last month, threatens the Polisario Front's standing and could significantly impact Algeria's position in the region. 

**High-Level Talks and Growing Concern**

Algerian Ambassador to the United States, Sabri Boukadoum, met with Congressman Panetta on Wednesday to discuss regional security, U.S.-Algerian relations, and transnational terrorism in Africa. While details of the meeting remain limited, Congressman Panetta confirmed the discussion on social media, expressing appreciation for the dialogue but maintaining a restrained tone. 

This diplomatic outreach signals growing concern in Algiers that the proposed designation could shift international perceptions and policymaking against the Polisario Front.  

**A Potential Blow to Polisario and Algeria**

If passed, the terrorist designation would trigger legal and financial consequences for the Polisario Front, including asset freezes, travel restrictions, and increased surveillance. More significantly, it could severely weaken the group's international standing. 

Lawmakers supporting the bill claim the Polisario has ties to criminal and extremist networks in the Sahel and alleges links to Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Syrian regime. These accusations echo longstanding Moroccan claims about the Polisario’s alleged involvement in arms trafficking and militant activities in the region. Algeria, which politically and diplomatically supports the Polisario Front, rejects these characterizations.

**Algeria's Counteroffensive**

To counter this potential blow, Algeria has intensified lobbying efforts in Washington. Recent months have seen Algerian officials sign a defense cooperation memorandum with the U.S., and actively pursue military purchases from the U.S., even at the expense of their longstanding alliance with Russia. The reappearance of former U.S. national security advisor John Bolton, a vocal Polisario supporter, in Algerian lobbying circles further highlights this strategy.

A formal designation would be a major diplomatic defeat for both the Polisario Front and Algeria, which insists its support for the group is solely humanitarian and principled. It would also strengthen Morocco's position, particularly as more countries, including the U.S. under President Trump, recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.  


## Algeria Fights Back Against Potential U.S. Terror Label for Polisario 

**Diplomatic Scramble Follows Congressional Proposal with Serious Implications**

A r

Algerian ambassador scrambles to counter U.S. terror label p

Algerian ambassador scrambles to counter U.S. terror label proposal against Polisario

##  Moroccan Migrant Shot by Bulgarian Border Police in Attempted Schengen Entry

**Incident Occurs Near Turkish Border as Authorities Intercept Group of North Africans**

A Moroccan undocumented migrant was shot in the shoulder by Bulgarian border police near Zvezdets, close to the Turkish border, on Thursday. This incident occurred after the migrant allegedly attempted to illegally enter Bulgaria with a group of approximately 20 other North African nationals. 

According to Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry, the Moroccan man disregarded police orders and continued fleeing, prompting officers to fire warning shots before ultimately shooting him. He was subsequently transported to Burgas hospital for medical treatment. 

**Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns Over Border Violence**

The Bulgaria-Turkey route represents a significant corridor for migrants aiming to reach Western Europe, often exposing them to violence from border forces and exploitation by smuggling networks.  

Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Bulgaria’s handling of migrants, citing instances of beatings, dog attacks, and firearm use by border officers. These groups have urged the EU to investigate these alleged violations. 


##  Moroccan Migrant Shot by Bulgarian Border Police in Attempted Schengen Entry

**Incident Occurs Near Turkish Border as Authorities Intercept Group of North 

Bulgarian border police shoot Moroccan migrant at EU frontie

Bulgarian border police shoot Moroccan migrant at EU frontier

## Black Sewage Flows into Tangier Beach, Sparking Outrage and Investigation

**Tangier residents and visitors stunned by footage of polluted waters**

Videos circulating online show black wastewater flowing directly into Playa, Tangier’s main municipal beach, causing shock and concern over environmental negligence. The sewage appears to originate from restaurants and cafes operating at the city's marina.

Beachgoers and environmental advocates have expressed outrage on social media, accusing authorities of failing to protect marine cleanliness in one of Tangier's most popular coastal areas. 

**Officials Launch Investigation into "Mix-up During Repair Operation"**

Responding to the public outcry, a local official confirmed that an investigation has been launched and a committee representing various agencies has been dispatched to assess the situation.  Speaking anonymously due to limitations on press communication, the official attributed the pollution to a repair error at a commercial establishment within the marina. 

“It was a mix-up during a repair operation,” the official stated, emphasizing that the incident was not a result of ongoing illegal dumping. Laboratory tests conducted following the event reportedly found no evidence of toxic substances or immediate health risks to the water.

**Authorities Promise Close Monitoring, But Concerns Remain**

While authorities have pledged to closely monitor the situation and ensure long-term public health and marine life safety, the incident has reignited broader discussions regarding environmental oversight and enforcement of sanitation regulations in rapidly developing Moroccan coastal cities.  




## Black Sewage Flows into Tangier Beach, Sparking Outrage and Investigation

**Tangier residents and visitors stunned by footage of polluted waters**

Videos c

Raw sewage discharge at Tangier beach sparks outrage, offici

Raw sewage discharge at Tangier beach sparks outrage, officials blame plumbing error

## Stormy Seas Can't Deter Minors: 54 Moroccan Youths Swim to Ceuta

**Unaccompanied youths reach Spanish enclave amid rough conditions, raising migrant numbers in city beyond capacity.**


**Ceuta, Spain** - Fifty-four unaccompanied Moroccan minors swam into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Friday night, braving stormy weather and rough seas to reach El Tarajal and Benzú coastal areas. The Civil Guard conducted rescue operations overnight as some youths arrived using only life rafts.

This latest surge brings the total number of migrant minors under Ceuta's care to 514, significantly exceeding the city's capacity of 132.  Local officials have declared the situation "a matter of state," urgently requesting intervention from Spain’s central government. Authorities have deployed additional local police officers to locate unregistered minors and enhance patrols along Ceuta's southern coastline to prevent further crossings.

The timing of this influx is particularly sensitive, coming just four days before the start of Ceuta's annual summer fair. This event typically coincides with "Operation Feriante," a law enforcement campaign focused on inspecting vehicles boarding ferries to Algeciras, as minors often attempt to hide aboard rides to cross into mainland Spain. 

**A Growing Trend**

This incident reflects a larger trend of irregular sea arrivals from Morocco in the first half of 2025.  Between January and May:

* Approximately 797 Moroccans reached Spain via the Western Mediterranean route (Ceuta, Melilla, and southern mainland), accounting for 16.5% of all arrivals on that route.
* 725 Moroccans arrived in the Canary Islands via the perilous Atlantic corridor, representing 6.6% of arrivals on that route.




## Stormy Seas Can't Deter Minors: 54 Moroccan Youths Swim to Ceuta

**Unaccompanied youths reach Spanish enclave amid rough conditions, raising migrant numbers

54 Moroccan minors swim to Ceuta during overnight storm

## Microcredit Booms in Morocco: Portfolio Hits Record High 

**Moroccan microcredit sector shows strong growth and positive risk trends.**

The gross microcredit portfolio in Morocco surged to a record high of 9.5 billion dirhams in 2024, representing a notable 9.4 percent year-on-year increase, according to Bank Al-Maghrib’s annual banking supervision report.  

**Domination and Destination:** Four leading associations control over 98 percent of all distributed microloans. Of these loans, 88 percent are directed towards microenterprises, while 11 percent support social housing initiatives. Urban areas receive the majority of funding, absorbing 83 percent of total loans, with 89 percent granted as individual credits.

**Risk Reduction:** The volume of non-performing loans saw a significant decrease of 8 percent, reaching 452 million dirhams. This decline reduced the risk ratio from 5.6 to 4.7 percent. Provision coverage also improved to 84 percent.


**Financial Stability:** Sectoral debt remained stable at 6.1 billion dirhams, accounting for 68 percent of funding sources. Local banks provide the vast majority of these funds, representing 94 percent of total contributions. Equity witnessed a notable increase of 9.7 percent to 2.83 billion dirhams, now constituting 26 percent of liabilities.  


## Microcredit Booms in Morocco: Portfolio Hits Record High 

**Moroccan microcredit sector shows strong growth and positive risk trends.**

The gross microcred

Microcredit portfolio grows to 9.5 billion dirhams with impr

Microcredit portfolio grows to 9.5 billion dirhams with improved risk indicators

## FIFA Sets Up African Headquarters in Rabat, Cementing Morocco's Continental Sports Leadership

**Rabat Hosts Inauguration Ceremony, Emphasizing Commitment to African Football Development**

A new era for African football dawned Saturday as FIFA inaugurated its regional Africa office in Rabat, marking a significant step in the development of the sport across the continent.  The high-level ceremony saw prominent figures like FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Moroccan Football Federation Chief Fouzi Lekjaa alongside senior African and international sports officials.

This landmark establishment follows a tripartite agreement signed in Marrakech on December 16, 2024, between FIFA, the Moroccan government, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The agreement outlines a strategic plan to bolster African football through institutional support, technical guidance, and training development programs.  

Strategically located near the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, adjacent to the FRMF headquarters, this new office is the first of its kind at this scale on the African continent. It underscores Morocco's growing stature as a trusted strategic partner in continental sports development. 


 **Morocco: A Hub for African Football Talent**

Speaking at the ceremony, Lekjaa highlighted that the facility resides within a complex personally initiated by King Mohammed VI as part of a 26-year national football vision positioning Morocco as a central hub for African talent, cooperation, and youth training. He commended Infantino and Motsepe for their ongoing support, stating that the opening “symbolizes an ongoing commitment to African football” and provides a platform for deeper collaboration across all levels of the game.

"Morocco was and will remain your second home. We will continue working together toward inclusive development, including football for both boys and girls, in line with the values of openness and tolerance upheld by the King,” Lekjaa said. 


 **A Boost for Morocco's 2030 World Cup Bid**

The inauguration further solidifies Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.   


## FIFA Sets Up African Headquarters in Rabat, Cementing Morocco's Continental Sports Leadership

**Rabat Hosts Inauguration Ceremony, Emphasizing Commitment to

New FIFA Africa hub opens in Rabat near Mohammed VI Complex

## Vacation Turns Nightmare: Israeli-French Dual National Arrested in Morocco

**Wanted for Kidnapping and Extortion, Suspect Held Pending Extradition**

An Israeli-French dual national was apprehended last week upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. The arrest came following an Interpol red notice issued based on charges of kidnapping and extortion filed by French authorities.  

The suspect, who had travelled to Morocco for vacation, was unaware he was internationally wanted. He is accused of demanding a ransom of 200,000 euros from a relative residing in France. The victim filed a complaint with French authorities detailing the alleged incident.

French prosecutors subsequently opened an investigation and requested Interpol issue an international arrest warrant. The man, a resident of Israel’s Sharon Plain, was transferred to a detention center in Rabat while awaiting a ruling on France’s extradition request. 

While he denies all charges according to Israeli outlet Mako, French authorities reportedly possess a file containing witness testimonies and supporting evidence.  




## Vacation Turns Nightmare: Israeli-French Dual National Arrested in Morocco

**Wanted for Kidnapping and Extortion, Suspect Held Pending Extradition**

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