Author: WAJ Team

Morocco’s tourism industry has recorded impressive growth, with recent figures showing a significant boost in travel revenues. According to the latest data from the Exchange Office, the country’s tourism receipts reached MAD 112.5 billion ($11.1 billion) in 2024, reflecting a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the continued appeal of Morocco as a key tourist destination. The growth is not just in earnings, but also in spending, with travel expenditures climbing by 22.9%, amounting to MAD 29.36 billion ($2.9 billion). This rise indicates that tourists are not only visiting in greater numbers but are also spending…

In a significant shake-up of his administration, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has dismissed two ministers from Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui’s government, including the finance minister. A statement from the Algerian presidency confirmed that Laaziz Faid, who had held the position of finance minister since March 2023, and Fouad Hajji, the minister of state for industry and pharmaceutical production, were both relieved of their duties on Sunday. The president appointed Abdelkrim Bou El Zerd to replace Faid as finance minister, signaling a new direction for Algeria’s economic policies. Bou El Zerd, a seasoned government official, steps into the role at a…

Africa’s top copper producers, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, are moving to secure a greater share of the profits from their mineral wealth, seeking direct involvement in metal trading as global demand surges. For decades, international firms such as Glencore have dominated the trade of copper, which is essential for technologies including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Now, both governments are positioning themselves to negotiate better terms, ensuring that more value from their resources benefits local economies. Congo Strengthens Its Grip on Copper Sales Congo’s state mining company, Gecamines, is finalizing a deal with Glencore to…

The major offensive launched by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) appeared to stall on Saturday, as Congolese forces successfully regained control of key areas in the eastern region. Local civil society sources and officials confirmed that several villages, including Mukwija, Shanje, Numbi, and Nyamasasa in Kalehe territory, were recaptured from the rebels, halting their advance towards Bukavu. M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group with close ties to Rwanda, initially seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo and capital of the resource-rich North Kivu province, before pushing further into South Kivu. The rebels’ move raised concerns…

Egypt and Iran have both reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to assisting Lebanon’s recovery following the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with pledges of support across multiple sectors, including humanitarian aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and regional stability. During a visit to Lebanon, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered a message from President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, underscoring Egypt’s solidarity with Lebanon. Abdelatty assured that Egypt stands ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Lebanon’s vital sectors, particularly electricity and gas, which have been severely impacted by the conflict. The Egyptian government has expressed its intent to deploy Egyptian…

Tunisian President Kais Saied held a significant meeting with David Lammy, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, on Friday to discuss the current state of bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation. The two leaders focused on the enduring stability of the Tunisia-UK relationship, while President Saied pointed out that there is room for progress, especially in sectors such as trade, security, education, energy, and investment. The Tunisian president emphasized the shared commitment to expanding these areas of collaboration for mutual growth and benefit. During the meeting, Saied also stressed the importance of fostering…

Morocco’s military capabilities have received a significant boost with the opening of a new drone production facility, established by Turkish aerospace giant Baykar. The announcement, confirmed by multiple sources including Turkish media, marks a milestone in Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defense sector and deepens ties between Morocco and Türkiye. In a move that underscores Morocco’s strategic ambitions, local outlets such as Le360 reported that Baykar has launched a subsidiary, Atlas Defense, in Rabat. The subsidiary will oversee the manufacturing, design, and maintenance of drones, as well as the development of advanced defense technologies, including systems for surveillance, reconnaissance,…

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reiterated its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating violence in the country’s eastern region. During a high-level summit in Zimbabwe on Friday, SADC called for the immediate deployment of defense ministers and military chiefs to assess the security of its peacekeeping forces under the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). The officials have been tasked with ensuring the safety of troops and coordinating the swift repatriation of injured and fallen soldiers. The summit comes as the M23 rebel group…

In a significant show of solidarity, Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, reiterated his country’s commitment to Yemen’s stability, unity, and sovereignty in a recent diplomatic meeting with Yemeni Foreign Minister Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani in Rabat on Thursday. During the meeting, Akhannouch expressed Morocco’s gratitude for Yemen’s continued support in safeguarding Morocco’s territorial integrity, particularly regarding the separatist claims backed by Algeria. These claims, led by the Polisario Front, seek independence for the disputed southern region of Morocco. Yemen has consistently sided with Morocco in rejecting such separatist efforts, underscoring the strength of bilateral ties between the two nations. Al-Zindani…

The 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), set to take place from September 4 to 10 in Algiers, will unveil a new initiative aimed at advancing research and innovation in intra-African trade. The launch of the African Research and Innovation Centre was announced this week by key event organizers, including Afreximbank, the African Union Commission, and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The centre is designed to stimulate academic research, foster innovation, and strengthen collaboration between African universities, industries, and policymakers. With a focus on accelerating industrialization and boosting intra-African trade, the initiative aims to help drive economic growth and integration across the…

A bold new project aiming to establish the world’s longest subsea power cable linking Morocco and the United Kingdom is calling for critical political support to move forward. The ambitious initiative, spearheaded by Xlinks First Ltd., has the potential to attract up to £24 billion ($29.9 billion) in investments, with an estimated £5 billion allocated for the UK. The project would harness Morocco’s vast renewable energy resources, particularly wind and solar power, to provide a sustainable and reliable source of green electricity for the UK. With the UK’s renewable energy sector expanding rapidly, this subsea cable would provide crucial support…

The Appointments Committee of Parliament in Ghana was embroiled in a tense and chaotic exchange on Thursday evening as members clashed over the timing of the vetting for two prominent ministerial nominees. Minority MPs proposed delaying the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister-designate, and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, to Friday, January 31, 2025, citing the lateness of the hour. However, the motion was quickly met with resistance from the Majority MPs, who insisted that the vetting proceed without delay. The situation swiftly escalated, with both sides engaging in a heated verbal exchange, and the committee…

South Africa and Rwanda’s foreign ministers have engaged in talks aimed at de-escalating tensions following allegations by Rwanda’s president accusing South African leaders of misrepresenting discussions on the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a phone conversation on Thursday, South African Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe reaffirmed their commitment to advancing dialogue concerning the crisis in the DRC. The ministers agreed to prioritize the implementation of peace initiatives, including adherence to the spirit of the existing ceasefire agreements. “We are committed to advancing dialogue on the situation in…

As tensions continue to rise in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Angolan President João Lourenço have vowed to work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict. Their commitment follows a phone conversation on Thursday evening, where they discussed the deteriorating security situation and the urgent need for regional collaboration. President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union (AU) mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, had earlier called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. In a statement issued on Wednesday, he expressed growing international concern over allegations that Rwanda is…

Thousands of contract workers at Firestone Liberia LLC have launched an indefinite strike to protest poor working conditions and the lack of retirement benefits. The strike, which began on Thursday, involves around 70,000 non-permanent employees who are demanding better compensation and security for their years of service. The workers are calling for the introduction of a retirement benefit, equal to one month’s wages for each year worked. Currently, employees receive no severance or retirement benefits upon leaving the company, leading to growing dissatisfaction among long-term workers. Marcus Blamah, Secretary-General of the National Timber, Wood, Construction & Allied Workers’ Union of…

In a significant step towards enhancing regional collaboration, Egypt and Iraq have signed 12 comprehensive cooperation agreements during an extended session of the Egyptian-Iraqi Joint Higher Committee. This development marks a new phase in the two nations’ partnership, with agreements spanning multiple sectors aimed at fostering sustainable economic, cultural, and infrastructural growth. The agreements, which cover a wide range of areas, demonstrate both countries’ commitment to long-term bilateral cooperation. The first agreement lays the foundation for local development cooperation, emphasizing governance and urban planning to drive more efficient and sustainable cities. A major highlight is the second MoU, signed between…