AGP Executive Report

Women’s Football: Morocco opened Eric Blahic’s tenure with a 3-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan in Rabat, coming from behind as Ibtissam Jraidi scored a second-half hat-trick. Royal Speech: King Mohammed VI told the new Parliament that delays in shifting powers and resources to the regions were “unacceptable,” and urged action on water, energy and food security. MPs say the speech will shape scrutiny of the incoming government. AFCON Dispute: The Court of Arbitration for Sport has heard Senegal’s appeal against CAF’s decision to strip it of the 2025 title and award Morocco a 3-0 win. A verdict is pending. Marrakech Airshow: Israel’s first official defense pavilion and arms-company delegation drew attention as Morocco deepens military ties with Israel; separate deals signal efforts to expand local defense manufacturing. Energy Exploration: Morocco’s ONHYM and Viridien agreed to develop subsurface data and analytics for the country’s onshore and offshore basins, aiming to attract exploration investment. Weather Alert: Authorities urged caution in Tinghir, where moderate flood risks are forecast, and warned residents to avoid riverbeds and flooded roads.

Politics: Morocco’s new Parliament opened its first session as government-formation talks continue under Prime Minister-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri. King Mohammed VI’s address is expected to set priorities for the five-year term. AFCON Dispute: Morocco’s title remains contested after Senegal appealed CAF’s decision to award Morocco the 2025 final. The Court of Arbitration for Sport says its ruling could come within days or take several weeks. Defence Industry: The Marrakech Air Show highlighted Morocco’s push to build local defence production. EDGE signed a deal to explore Moroccan production of small arms and aircraft engines, while Israeli defence firms made their first official appearance at the show. Tourism: Morocco welcomed 15.7 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures reported this week.

AFCON Dispute: Morocco and Senegal are awaiting CAS’s ruling on the 2025 final after a closed-door hearing in Lausanne. The court gave no firm date, saying a decision could take days or weeks. Aerospace and Defence: Marrakech Airshow brought more than 200 companies from 19 countries to Morocco, with new aviation and defence partnerships underscoring the kingdom’s push to build its own industry. Israel opened its first pavilion at the show. Politics: Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is beginning coalition talks as Morocco’s new legislature prepares to open. In Tangier, a judge is questioning suspects in an alleged election-ballot manipulation case. Migration: Spain says 11,026 migrants have returned from Ceuta to Morocco since August 10, including 2,783 in the latest nine days. Tourism: Morocco welcomed 15.7 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026.

AFCON Dispute: The Court of Arbitration for Sport has finished hearing Morocco’s case against Senegal over the 2025 final. A verdict is expected within days, though a fully reasoned ruling could take weeks. Moroccans Killed in Saudi Attacks: Saudi authorities say two women, one Moroccan and one Algerian, were killed in an attack on Abha airport; strikes on two Saudi airports also injured 36 people. Marrakech Airshow: Morocco is using the event to advance its aerospace and defence industries, with new agreements covering AI, drone technology and aviation research. Parliament: King Mohammed VI will open the first session of the new legislature on Friday and deliver a speech to both houses.

Water Reserves: Morocco’s dam reserves have more than doubled in a year, reaching 11.12 billion cubic metres, though levels vary widely by basin. Aerospace and Defence: At the Marrakech Air Show, Airbus and Safran highlighted growing reliance on Moroccan suppliers, while the country’s first F-16 Block 72 completed its maiden flight. AFCON Appeal: The Court of Arbitration for Sport hears Senegal’s challenge today to the decision awarding Morocco the 2025 title; no ruling is expected at the hearing. New Government: Unions are pressing the incoming administration to address purchasing power, healthcare and reform. Security: Moroccan authorities arrested a French national at Casablanca airport over an international warrant linked to an alleged attempted killing in Paris.

Marrakech Airshow: The U.S. is showcasing an F-35 and other aircraft at the Oct. 7–10 event, highlighting military ties with Morocco ahead of the alliance’s 250th anniversary. Defence: Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 has completed its maiden flight in South Carolina and will undergo testing before delivery. Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived in Casablanca for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which begins Oct. 17; they open against Poland. AFCON Appeal: Senegal’s challenge to CAF’s decision to award Morocco the title goes before the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday. A ruling is not expected that day. Government Formation: Coalition talks are reshaping the next government, with the PAM seeking a stronger role and the RNI excluded from the prospective majority. Investment: A planned 20-megawatt data centre near Casablanca will target high-density AI computing.

Morocco–EU Security: The EU and Morocco held a second high-level security dialogue in Brussels, focusing on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and regional stability across the Maghreb and Africa. Defense Upgrade: Lockheed Martin says Morocco’s first F-16 Block 72 has completed its maiden flight in Greenville, with flight testing now underway before delivery. Economy/FX Pressure: Bank Al-Maghrib reports the dirham has weakened as import demand rises, widening the trade deficit and tightening foreign-currency liquidity. Weather Disruption: Flooding from Oued R’Bib Lahouach cut roads linking Smara with Laayoune and Tan-Tan, with authorities warning drivers to avoid flooded crossings. Sports—U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Flamingos named 21 players and depart for Morocco to prepare for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, starting Oct. 17. Aviation/Travel: Morocco is among countries benefiting from the Philippines’ expanded 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of 46 African nations.

Morocco–Italy Tourism Push: The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) signed a three-year deal with Italy’s GNV in Rabat to grow sea travel and boost Italian visitor numbers, aiming to lift departures from Italy to 350,000 through joint marketing and onboard visibility. Electricity Cost Relief: A new analysis says business users in Kenya-style reporting saved Sh8bn over five years by shifting to off-peak “Time of Use” tariffs, with more firms benefiting as they chase discounted energy charges. Morocco’s Government Talks: Morocco’s first female prime minister, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, is in decisive coalition negotiations, with parties weighing portfolio allocation and gender-parity goals as talks move toward a governing majority. Sahara Diplomacy at UN: UN reporting says Western Sahara talks are shifting toward transitional arrangements under Morocco’s autonomy plan, with multiple countries reaffirming support for the approach. Football Courtroom Drama: Senegal’s Afcon title dispute with Morocco is set for a Swiss court hearing, keeping the Rabat–Senegal rivalry in the spotlight. Cyber Training in Rabat: A “Cyber Academy” cybersecurity program for African leaders has kicked off in Rabat, focusing on skills-building for regional digital security. FIFA Under Fire: Norway filed complaints against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over alleged abuse of power and conflicts tied to World Cup governance decisions.

Spain Snap Election: Pedro Sánchez called a snap general election for 29 November after parliament rejected his housing decrees, as protests over evictions and rent hikes keep growing. Ceuta Rights Scrutiny: Amnesty International renewed criticism of Spanish forces in Ceuta, alleging torture and cruel treatment of migrants during raids and detentions. Morocco Surveillance Claims: Moroccan journalist Omar Radi says he was targeted with Pegasus spyware, echoing Amnesty findings about long-running surveillance of journalists and activists. Sahara Talks Update: A UN report says negotiations are moving toward transitional modalities under Morocco’s autonomy plan, with a possible transitional council discussed. Finance & Payments: Bank Al-Maghrib and the UAE Central Bank agreed to strengthen Islamic finance cooperation and explore instant payment links to cut cross-border transfer costs for Moroccans in the Emirates. Weather Alert: Morocco’s meteorology service warns of thunderstorms continuing through Wednesday, especially in southern provinces, the Atlas, Rif and Saiss. Defense Mobility: Oshkosh Defense received a new Moroccan order for 50 heavy transporter tractors and trailers, boosting military logistics. Football & Coaching: Jamal Sellami is one step from taking over Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia, while Morocco’s U23s play Ittihad Tangier in a friendly.

Morocco’s new government talks: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Morocco’s first female prime minister, is set to open formal coalition talks on 5 October after a heated PAM National Council debate, with reports pointing to tough arithmetic and possible kingmaker roles for Istiqlal. Sahara diplomacy: Washington’s messaging on Western Sahara is shifting from reaffirming recognition to pushing the mechanics of a settlement, keeping the conflict unresolved in focus. Ceuta migration update: Spain moved about 1,100 migrants from El Trampolín beach as nearly 600 Moroccans returned voluntarily, aiming to restore normal conditions ahead of a royal visit. Football & youth sport: Morocco held a 1-1 friendly draw with Mali in Tangier; meanwhile Ghana’s Black Maidens arrived in Morocco for a two-week U-17 Women’s World Cup camp in Casablanca. Local economy: A study finds Morocco’s municipal job markets are shaped by both local conditions and neighboring-area activity, linking unemployment and employment opportunities across borders. Digital push: UMT calls for administrative reform and a digital transition as priorities for the next government, including faster AI and Amazigh services.

EU Budget Talks: Spain’s agriculture minister Luis Planas says it’s “worth trying” to seal a deal in December on the EU’s next seven-year Multiannual Financial Framework, tied to reforms including the Common Agricultural Policy. Morocco–Sahara Diplomacy: A UN report says negotiations on the Moroccan Sahara have entered a new phase, with Staffan de Mistura resuming direct contacts after a seven-year gap. Ceuta Migration: Spanish police cleared parts of the El Trampolín camp in Ceuta, moving nearly 600 Moroccan migrants back toward Morocco while thousands remain as the operation continues ahead of King Felipe’s visit. Football—Atlas Lions: Morocco drew 1-1 with Mali in Tangier, ending the October window unbeaten; Abde Ezzalzouli scored from a penalty, then Mali equalised late. Women in Politics: Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, linked to PAM, is widely seen as Morocco’s first female prime minister after being tasked with forming a government. Health Regulation: Morocco’s medicines regulator warns pharma firms against publishing promotional material before required prior declarations. Sports Grassroots: NBA Africa and OCP-backed programs launch a new Jr. NBA/WNBA season in Morocco, training 2,000 youth across six cities.

Aviation & Security: Royal Air Maroc denied that the Flydubai co-pilot accused in a cockpit attack ever worked for the Moroccan airline, saying his 2025 application was rejected and he had no employment ties. Government & Budget: Morocco’s incoming cabinet has until Oct. 20 to submit the 2027 Finance Bill, with coalition talks still ongoing and limited room to rewrite plans inherited from the outgoing administration. Weather Watch: Southern Morocco is under an orange alert with heat up to 40°C plus thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in several provinces. EU Asylum Rules: The EU listed Morocco among “safe countries of origin,” meaning faster asylum processing for applicants from the designated countries. Ceuta Migration: Spanish police began clearing migrant camps on Ceuta beaches ahead of King Felipe’s visit, moving people to processing sites or offering voluntary return. Football (Morocco): Morocco hosts Mali in a friendly in Tangier, with Noussair Mazraoui ruled out due to injury. Sports Incident: Fouzi Lekjaa, FRMF president and budget minister delegate, suffered a head injury after colliding with a glass door in Skhirat.

Aviation Security Shock: UAE says a Flydubai co-pilot tried to carry out a “terrorist act” with a crash axe and seize controls, while Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc denies any past employment link to the suspect. Investigation Update: AFP reports it is probing possible Australian links to the co-pilot, including a student visa period in Australia. Morocco-Regional Tensions: A Moroccan expert urges building a historical legal dossier for the disputed Morocco-Algeria border to brief US policymakers. Public Health: Morocco reports a diphtheria death in Youssoufia after a child was not vaccinated; officials also mention limited clusters in Souss-Massa. Weather Watch: Heavy rain and thunderstorms flood parts of the Oriental region, with more rain forecast. Sports—Morocco: Raja start Botola Pro with a 1-0 win; Wydad beat Difaâ El Jadida 2-0; Morocco U-20 qualify for AFCON after a 2-0 win over Egypt. Policy & Society: Afrobarometer finds 48% of Moroccans back higher taxes to fund universal health care, while 73% fear they can’t afford care.

Banking & Payments: The UAE’s CBUAE and Morocco’s Bank Al-Maghrib signed two MoUs in Abu Dhabi to boost supervision, Islamic finance cooperation, and cross-border instant payments, card acceptance and financial messaging links. Western Sahara Diplomacy: The GCC backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan at the UN Fourth Committee, while Ecuador and El Salvador reaffirmed support for the plan as the “only serious” basis for a lasting settlement; the UN Security Council also scheduled closed Sahara meetings for Oct. 7-8 ahead of MINURSO renewal. Morocco’s New Government: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri’s appointment as head of government was formally published in Morocco’s Official Gazette. Economy & People: Remittances rose 9% to $9.8bn through August, and tourism receipts climbed to about MAD 97.9bn. Industry & Innovation: A Moroccan phosphate mine tested a heavy-truck haul road built from phosphate waste rock, reporting dust-emission cuts of 91%. Aviation Update: Royal Air Maroc clarified that a Flydubai co-pilot had only completed short theoretical training in 2025 and was not hired.

Morocco–Senegal Diplomacy: Foreign ministers Nasser Bourita and Cheikh Niang spoke by phone to reaffirm close ties and plans to deepen cooperation across trade, security, education and regional African initiatives. Social Agenda vs Budget: Morocco’s incoming cabinet is set to push a welfare-focused program under Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, with major measures like pension and job creation—while economists warn about sustainability and productivity gaps. Local Spending Tightening: Morocco’s Interior Ministry told local councils to curb nonessential new spending ahead of 2027 elections, prioritizing core services and pushing better local revenue collection. Politics in Tangier: PAM froze Tangier mayor Mounir Limouri’s party membership amid a criminal investigation tied to alleged election irregularities, with pre-trial detention reported. Economy & Trade: Casablanca-listed firms posted a 12.9% profit rise in the first half of 2026, while Morocco’s import bill surged—energy and sulfur drove nearly half of the increase through August. Security & Rights: Amnesty renewed claims that Morocco’s DGST ran a spyware campaign targeting journalists and activists, including allegations involving Pegasus. Culture & Tourism: Morocco’s tourism receipts reached MAD 97.9bn in the first eight months of 2026, up 9.7%, alongside a 65% jump in net FDI. Sports: Morocco’s AFCON-related football news continues to ripple regionally, including legal and administrative developments around qualifiers and coaching changes.

Morocco–Israel Diplomacy: On the 6th anniversary of the Abraham Accords, Israel and Morocco agreed to upgrade ties, including steps toward deeper cooperation and ambassador-level changes, even as Rabat and other cities saw renewed anti-normalization protests. AFCON Legal Twist: The Court of Arbitration for Sport set Oct. 8, 2026 in Lausanne for Senegal’s appeal over the disputed 2025 AFCON final involving Morocco, with proceedings behind closed doors. Rabat Politics & Justice: Tangier Mayor Monir Limouri was charged over alleged election ballot violations and remanded in custody, after a probe into how ballot papers were handled around the Sept. 23 vote. Customs Crackdown: Morocco expanded AI-based customs checks to flag undervalued imports, auditing shipments worth nearly 650 million dirhams and triggering value revisions. Trade & Logistics Boost: DHL named Morocco a priority “Geographic Tailwinds” market, citing its role as a bridge between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa and its growing industrial/logistics pull. Sports & Regional Links: Morocco’s Tarik Sektioui (Oman) and CAF’s ongoing AFCON planning also kept the spotlight on Morocco-linked football developments.