Ouzoud Waterfalls : exceptional flow revives tourism
Following heavy rainfall on the peaks of the High Atlas, the Ouzoud Waterfalls in the province of Azilal have once again seen a spectacular flow of water. This surge in water has restored one of Morocco’s most famous natural sites to its full splendour.
The famous Ouzoud Waterfalls, nestled in the province of Azilal, treated visitors to an impressive natural spectacle at the start of this week. Following more than four hours of uninterrupted rain overnight in the hills above the town of Aït Taguella, water levels in the High Atlas rivers soared. The runoff surged into the riverbed, powerfully feeding the majestic falls, which stand over 110 metres high. Coinciding with the school holidays, this welcome flood immediately attracted a crowd of curious onlookers, walkers and photography enthusiasts who came to admire the beauty of the transformed landscape.
A digital craze boosting the region’s appeal
Word of the natural wonder’s magic spread very quickly far beyond the province, thanks to the enthusiasm of visitors on the spot. Many captured the impressive power of the falls from the rocky peaks to share it live on social media. These spectacular, viral images immediately sparked a huge online buzz, putting the beauty of Azilal’s mountainous landscapes back in the spotlight. This digital momentum is helping to re-establish the site as a top choice for Moroccan and international tourists seeking a natural escape and outdoor hiking.
Hopes for an economic recovery for local businesses
For local tourism stakeholders, this rise in water levels represents a real commercial boon at the start of the rainy season. Following periods of drought that had reduced the flow of the waterfalls, this renewed vitality is boosting the morale of restaurant owners, guides and accommodation providers. Ouzoud’s renewed appeal offers the prospect of a sustainable revival of regional economic activity. Industry professionals are counting on this positive momentum to fill hotels and boost all the services that depend on visitor numbers to this jewel of Morocco’s natural heritage.
Rural housing : a Moroccan grant of 40,000 dirhams
The Moroccan government is preparing a new direct grant of 40,000 dirhams to support the construction or renovation of homes in rural areas. Led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, this programme aims to refurbish 100,000 homes by 2031.
The government is supporting regional development and improvements to housing in rural areas. During the presentation of her action programme to Parliament on 19 October 2026, the Head of Government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, unveiled a new direct grant scheme amounting to 40,000 dirhams per eligible household. This ambitious measure aims to fund the construction or renovation of 100,000 rural homes during the 2026–2031 term of office. To ensure the success of these projects, this financial support will be combined with completely free technical assistance designed to oversee the work, particularly in emerging rural centres.
A more flexible legislative framework for planning permission in douars
Alongside the financial aspect, the government is tackling the bureaucratic hurdles that often slow down property development projects in rural areas. A comprehensive review of rural planning regulations has been announced through a new law designed to simplify the procedures for issuing planning permission. The legislation will introduce planning documents specifically tailored to the realities of douars. The government also plans to introduce a special procedure to regularise existing dwellings, provided they comply with basic safety standards and do not infringe on the rights of third parties.
Allocation criteria awaiting regulatory clarification
Although the broad outlines of the scheme have now been established, several allocation criteria still need to be specified by regulation. The exact eligibility criteria, income thresholds, the list of supporting documents and the timetable for the opening of applications will be set out shortly. The government will also need to decide on access to this scheme for Moroccans living abroad who wish to renovate their family home in their village. It should be noted that this specific aid for rural areas will remain separate from the general property purchase assistance programme, which awards grants ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 dirhams.
Blueberries : Morocco joins the top five in Switzerland
Morocco has reached a new milestone in exports by joining, for the first time, the top five suppliers of fresh blueberries to the Swiss market. By the end of the 2025–2026 marketing year, the volumes shipped by the Kingdom to Switzerland had surged by 75 per cent.
The Moroccan agricultural sector is confirming its international performance and strengthening its position in high value-added European markets. During the marketing year running from July 2025 to June 2026, Morocco shipped 655 tonnes of fresh blueberries to Switzerland, generating revenue in excess of 7.6 million euros. This unprecedented performance marks a historic record in bilateral trade between the two nations for this sector. Driven by continuous growth over three consecutive seasons, the Kingdom has more than doubled its export volumes to Switzerland in three years, posting an average annual growth rate of 33 per cent.
Record growth in an expanding market
Thanks to this surge in trade, Morocco now holds a 5.5 per cent share of the Swiss market for fresh blueberry imports, whilst also recording the strongest growth momentum amongst all exporting countries. Whilst Spain retains its leading position with a 44 per cent market share, ahead of Peru, the Netherlands and Chile, Morocco has firmly established itself in fifth place amongst suppliers. Swiss demand continues to rise for the fifth consecutive year, reaching a total import volume of 11,800 tonnes during the last season to meet local consumption.
A strengthened Moroccan presence in the face of international competition
Spanning mainly from November to June, the Moroccan export window benefits from a peak in shipments in the spring, which coincides perfectly with the seasonal rise in consumption in Switzerland. This breakthrough comes against a mixed competitive backdrop, with several traditional producer countries such as Poland, Italy and South Africa seeing their shipments decline. By recording the strongest growth in the Swiss market, the Moroccan agri-food sector is demonstrating the quality of its produce and consolidating its presence in a demanding market with high purchasing power.
Sahara : Morocco’s plan prevails at the UN
By an overwhelming majority of 152 votes, the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted its annual resolution on the Sahara. For the first time, the resolution incorporates Resolution 2797, placing Morocco’s autonomy initiative at the heart of the political process.
Moroccan diplomacy has just taken another decisive step forward on the international stage. On Thursday 15 October 2026, the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted its annual draft resolution on the Sahara issue by 152 votes in favour, 2 against and 7 abstentions, with the explicit support of Morocco. For the very first time, the text officially refers to Security Council Resolution 2797, thereby marking a major milestone in the recognition of the Kingdom’s position. This strategic inclusion illustrates the continuity and strength of the diplomatic momentum driven by Morocco to assert its territorial sovereignty.
The autonomy initiative is established as the UN benchmark
Adopted on 31 October 2025, Resolution 2797 establishes the autonomy plan presented by Morocco as the fundamental basis for international negotiations. The inclusion of this reference within the text of the Fourth Committee confirms that the vision championed by the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI is now enshrined as the unshakeable framework of reference within the UN. The document calls on all stakeholders – namely Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front – to participate in good faith and without preconditions in the negotiations conducted under the auspices of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy. This approach is fully in line with Rabat’s consistent stance in favour of a pragmatic, sustainable and mutually acceptable political solution.
Strengthened diplomatic momentum ahead of the Security Council
This vote in the General Assembly strengthens Morocco’s position ahead of upcoming international meetings. During the recent rounds of talks held in Washington and Madrid, the Moroccan diplomatic delegation, led by Nasser Bourita, presented an expanded and detailed version of the autonomy plan, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to giving concrete substance to its proposal. This development sends a strong signal as the UN Security Council prepares to consider the renewal of MINURSO’s mandate at the end of October, a deadline which Rabat is approaching from a position of strength in the face of regional challenges.
UN-AU: Omar Hilale at the heart of peace talks
In New York, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, co-chaired the ninth annual consultative meeting between the UN Peacebuilding Commission and the African Union Peace and Security Council.
Morocco is consolidating its position as a key facilitator in the diplomatic dialogue between the United Nations and the African Union. On Wednesday 21 October 2026 in New York, Omar Hilale, the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN and Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, co-chaired the ninth annual consultative meeting with the AU Peace and Security Council. This strategic meeting brings together the two main bodies responsible for supporting vulnerable countries in emerging from crises and preventing the emergence of conflicts on the continent.
Morocco: a bridge between the UN and Africa
Elected Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission in January 2026, Omar Hilale chaired this high-level meeting alongside the current Chair of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. By spearheading this major initiative, the Moroccan diplomat reaffirms the Kingdom’s central role in promoting pragmatic and solidarity-based multilateralism, in perfect alignment with the strategic vision set out by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Africa’s stability and shared development. The outcome of the discussions was marked by the unanimous adoption of a joint communiqué setting out the framework for a work programme extending until 2027.
Strategic follow-up commitments until 2027
This founding text provides for the establishment of regular monitoring mechanisms and the strengthening of regional cooperation, by aligning international interventions with the peace priorities defined sovereignly by the African states themselves. The fundamental objective of this strengthened partnership is to improve the coordination of actions carried out on the ground by the UN and the African Union, in order to avoid a fragmentation of efforts and maximise the impact of stabilisation policies. For the Moroccan Chair of the Commission, the commitment made in New York entails rigorous follow-up work to translate diplomatic guidelines into concrete and measurable results, with a view to building lasting peace on the continent.
El Mansouri’s Government : Commitments Under Review
Backed by a clear majority in the House of Representatives, the new government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has committed to specific targets. Purchasing power, employment, health and education must now be reflected in measurable results in people’s daily lives.
The government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri now has the parliamentary legitimacy to carry out public policy. On Thursday 22 October 2026, the House of Representatives voted in favour of the government’s programme for the period 2026–2031, with 204 votes in favour and 127 against. This vote of confidence followed a lively and rigorous debate on the major national priorities. From tackling the high cost of living and creating jobs to modernising healthcare services, reforming the education system and combating corruption, the expectations voiced in the Chamber accurately reflect the aspirations of public opinion. The key challenge for the executive now is to transform these policy directions into tangible achievements for citizens.
To make its case, the government’s statement is underpinned by a series of quantified commitments with significant social and economic impact. Direct social assistance paid to disadvantaged families is set to rise from 500 to 1,000 dirhams by the end of the term of office, accompanied by an automatic compensation mechanism to cover the monthly electricity bills of eligible households. At the macroeconomic level, El Mansouri’s team is targeting average annual growth of 5 per cent, inflation kept in check at around 2 per cent, and a budget deficit limited to 3 per cent of gross domestic product. Support for the local economy also includes a plan to reserve 30 per cent of the value of public procurement contracts for Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprises. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the regular publication of monitoring indicators, for which the 2027 draft Finance Bill will serve as the very first practical test.
2027 Budget : Lekjaa sets out an ambitious agenda
King Mohammed VI chaired a Cabinet meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat to discuss the general guidelines of the 2027 draft Finance Bill. Presented by Fouzi Lekjaa, this budget places citizens and the regions at the heart of public policy.
On 17 October, King Mohammed VI chaired a crucial Cabinet meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat, focusing on the guidelines for the 2027 draft Finance Bill. Presented by Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister for the Economy, Finance and Public Performance, these guidelines place citizens at the heart of the government’s priorities. Centred on supporting purchasing power, strengthening the welfare state, youth employment, regional development and strategic sovereignty, the draft aims to provide concrete responses to the day-to-day needs of Moroccans whilst pursuing long-term ambitions.
The primary priority of this budget proposal is to safeguard purchasing power and to continue major social initiatives. The bill provides for a structural reform of markets and price regulation mechanisms from 2027, an increase in direct social assistance, and the full extension of universal healthcare coverage. It is accompanied by the ongoing modernisation of the health and education systems, complemented by the continuation of the direct housing support programme. For young people, an integrated national programme covering the period 2027–2031 will support them from career guidance and training right through to the funding of their projects. At the same time, the regions will benefit from a total budget of approximately 25 billion dirhams earmarked for new integrated territorial development programmes as part of the advanced regionalisation process.
From a strategic perspective, the 2027 Finance Act aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s sovereignty in key sectors such as water security, renewable energy, green hydrogen through the ‘Offre Maroc’ initiative, gas infrastructure, food sovereignty and the digital sector. Support for private investment and small businesses will also be strengthened through the reform of the Regional Investment Centres. These commitments are underpinned by very sound macroeconomic fundamentals, with growth projected at 4.7 per cent for 2026, inflation maintained at a very low level of 0.7 per cent, and a budget deficit gradually reduced to 3 per cent of gross domestic product before the bill is finally presented to Parliament.
Hospitality sector : $250 million for Morocco
Morocco is accelerating the development of its hotel infrastructure with a view to welcoming 26 million tourists by 2030. A record investment of $250 million, backed by the IFC and Attijariwafa Bank, is helping to drive this momentum.
Morocco is accelerating the development of its hotel sector to meet its ambitious tourism targets. Having added 45,000 beds over the last four years, the Kingdom plans to roll out a further 60,000 beds by the time the 2030 World Cup takes place. This nationwide effort aims to support the growth of a sector that aspires to welcome 26 million visitors a year. This momentum is attracting major international and institutional investors, such as the World Bank Group through its subsidiary IFC and the financial group Attijariwafa bank, which are jointly mobilising $250 million to support the modernisation of Morocco’s hotel sector – the largest hotel financing package ever provided by the IFC in the country.
Currently boasting just over 300,000 beds, the Kingdom is aiming for a total of more than 360,000 beds by 2030, representing an increase of nearly a fifth of its overall capacity. For the Minister for Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, hosting the World Cup is a powerful catalyst for generating sustainable economic value. Projects are springing up across the country, with 75 hotels and over 10,600 rooms currently under development, around 70 per cent of which are due to open by 2027, placing Morocco second on the continent in terms of hotel construction projects. Major international chains are supporting this trend, such as the Radisson Group, which plans to triple its network in the country. The Mohammed VI Investment Fund is also contributing to this effort, backed by record visitor numbers expected to reach nearly 20 million by 2025.
The landmark financing deal formalised in Marrakesh illustrates the financial sector’s growing confidence in Morocco’s tourism roadmap. Under this agreement, the IFC is providing a loan of 165 million dollars, coupled with a funding package of 85 million dollars from Attijariwafa bank, for the benefit of the Pickalbatros Group, which has been operating in the domestic market since 2015. This programme involves the acquisition of three properties in Casablanca, as well as the refurbishment of existing facilities in Marrakech and Agadir. According to IFC projections, this operation will support more than 7,500 direct and indirect jobs by 2032, whilst generating $269 million in economic benefits. As the first green and partially blue financing granted by the IFC in Africa, this project incorporates a sustainability approach aimed at achieving EDGE environmental certification for several hotels through water and energy savings of at least 20 per cent.
Futsal Africa Cup of Nations : Morocco takes home the individual awards
After securing their fourth consecutive continental title in Rabat, the Moroccan futsal team also dominated the individual awards at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations. The Atlas Lions took home the trophies for best player, best goalkeeper and the fair play award.
Moroccan futsal’s supremacy on the African continent extends far beyond simply winning the team trophy. Following their 5–2 victory over Angola in the final in Rabat, the Moroccan national team swept the board, claiming the majority of the individual honours awarded by the Confederation of African Football. This haul of awards crowns a competition dominated from start to finish by Hicham Dguig’s men, confirming the technical and tactical superiority of the Moroccan side throughout this eighth edition.
A prestigious double for Youssef Jouad and Youssef Bensalam
Having delivered performances of the very highest standard throughout the tournament and once again proving decisive in the final match with a crucial goal, Moroccan international Youssef Jouad was voted the tournament’s best player. Meanwhile, national goalkeeper Youssef Bensalam received the trophy for best goalkeeper, in recognition of his decisive saves and remarkable reliability throughout Morocco’s campaign. Only the top scorer’s title eluded the Kingdom, going instead to Angolan international João Campangula for his clinical finishing in front of goal.
Fair Play Award seals Morocco’s dominance
To round off this exceptional list of honours, the Moroccan team also received the Fair Play Award, a distinction recognising the impeccable discipline and sportsmanship displayed by the squad throughout the tournament. This clean sweep of individual honours rounds off the Atlas Lions’ trophy haul at this 2026 tournament, hosted on home soil. It recognises the groundwork carried out at national level and further cements Morocco’s position at the pinnacle of African and world futsal.
Futsal Africa Cup of Nations : King Mohammed VI congratulates the champions
In the wake of the Atlas Lions’ fourth consecutive victory in the African Futsal Nations Cup, King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the players, the coaching staff and the management. The King praised the historic victory, achieved in fine style in Rabat.
King Mohammed VI was keen to express his great pride and warm congratulations to the members of the national futsal team, who were crowned African champions on Wednesday 21 October 2026 in Rabat. Following a commanding final, which ended with a 5–2 victory over Angola, the Atlas Lions secured the Kingdom’s fourth consecutive continental title in the sport. In his message to the national team, the King highlighted the brilliant organisation of this eighth edition of the competition in the capital, characterised by the warm welcome and traditional hospitality for which Morocco is renowned on the international stage.
A royal tribute to excellence in management
In his congratulations to the players, the King also praised the work carried out by the entire coaching staff and by the officials of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. The King emphasised that this latest victory was the direct result of a high-calibre professional performance and an unwavering determination to keep Morocco at the pinnacle of the sport. He noted that the team’s sincere patriotism and commitment had helped to confirm and consolidate the Kingdom’s prominent position amongst the world’s leading futsal nations, both on the continent and globally.
Further successes targeted for the Moroccan national team
Reiterating his praise for the remarkable performance of the Moroccan athletes, who once again flew the national flag high at this great celebration of African sport, King Mohammed VI implored the Almighty to grant them further success in the competitions to come. The Sovereign reaffirmed his deep concern and goodwill towards the African champions, encouraging them to continue on this path of excellence to win future trophies and continue to make their mark on the history of national sport.
