The government will offer a flat subsidy on imported soft wheat to bolster national reserves as global prices surge due to Black Sea tensions.
Morocco will provide a subsidy of up to 20.80 dirhams ($2.25) per quintal on imported soft wheat between September 16 and 30. This measure aims to strengthen the country's strategic grain reserves. The government is resuming soft wheat imports from mid-September through December 31, following unsuccessful attempts to secure targeted quantities over the previous three months.
This decision comes as global wheat prices have increased since early September, influenced by renewed tensions in the Black Sea region. European wheat prices reached approximately 245 euros ($287) per metric ton on the Euronext exchange before settling around 233 euros. Despite recent dips, prices remain at their highest in over three years, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in international grain markets.
The government intends to ensure Moroccan mills can acquire soft wheat at a maximum price of 270 dirhams per quintal by covering costs exceeding this threshold. This move follows difficulties faced by storage operators in obtaining sufficient local soft wheat, as farmers were reluctant to sell at the prices offered by the Ministry of Agriculture. Morocco had previously suspended wheat imports from June to support domestic producers.
Why it mattersMoroccan wheat importers and domestic mills are directly affected by the subsidy, which aims to stabilize the price of imported soft wheat and ensure sufficient supply for the domestic market.
Read in ASJ →New regulations define electric scooters and assisted-pedal bicycles, while public security vehicles are exempt from speed monitoring devices.
Morocco has implemented new regulations for electric scooters and assisted-pedal bicycles, alongside an exemption for public security vehicles from speed and driving time monitoring equipment. These changes, introduced via Decree No. 2.24.393 amending a 2010 decree, were published in the Official Gazette. While the decree took effect immediately, provisions for motorized personal mobility vehicles and assisted-pedal bicycles will become active six months after publication.
The decree formally defines electric scooters as motorized bicycles without seats, designed for one person, with a motor or assistance system, and a speed limit between 6 kph and 25 kph. Assisted-pedal bicycles are defined as having at least two wheels and an electric motor providing up to 250 watts of assistance, which must cease when pedaling stops or cut out before 25 kph. Both types of vehicles are now prohibited from towing trailers or pulling loads.
Mandatory lighting and safety equipment, including front and rear position lights and side and front reflectors, are now required for these vehicles. A warning device audible from at least 50 meters is also stipulated. The decree also expands the list of vehicles requiring individual approval, such as donated school transport vehicles and ambulances.
Why it mattersBusinesses manufacturing or selling electric scooters and e-bikes must comply with new definitions, speed limits, and safety equipment requirements.
Read in ASJ →A two-year feasibility study will assess the technical and economic viability of Morocco's first offshore wind farm near Essaouira.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has initiated a two-year feasibility study for a proposed offshore wind farm off Morocco's Atlantic coast, near Essaouira. This study aims to determine the technical and economic viability of the country's first offshore wind project, its potential electricity generation, and the necessary infrastructure. Renewable energy consultancy OWC is leading the assessment, funded by the EIB's Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership Trust Fund.
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) supports the initiative as Morocco seeks to expand its renewable energy capacity and diversify its power sources. The study will evaluate potential sites, measure wind conditions, and develop an initial project design. It will also assess Morocco's existing infrastructure, including ports and supply chains, and examine the project's impact on the national electricity grid and connection options.
The consortium conducting the study includes Moroccan and European firms, with specialists from OWC's French, UK, and German teams contributing. Hakim Mouslim, OWC's regional director, called the initiative a significant step for Morocco's renewable energy sector. The findings will inform whether the offshore wind farm can proceed to development, offering an additional renewable electricity source along the Atlantic coast beyond the established onshore wind industry.
Why it mattersInvestors are affected by the EIB-backed feasibility study as it assesses the technical and economic viability of Morocco's first offshore wind farm, potentially opening new avenues for investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
Read in ASJ →Declining sardine stocks off Morocco, exacerbated by climate change and export restrictions, are causing shortages in German supermarkets.
Sardine supplies are tightening at some German supermarkets as declining catches in Morocco contribute to shortages of the fish across Europe. Several supermarkets and discount chains reported temporary unavailability of some sardine products due to limited supplies. German retailer Aldi Nord cited difficult fishing conditions, while Rewe described a “tight raw material supply across Europe” affecting various products.
Stefan Meyer, managing director of the Fish Information Center in Hamburg, stated that sardine fisheries off Morocco have experienced declining stocks for years, with the situation worsening due to climate change, changing marine conditions, and high fishing pressure. Morocco also implemented sardine export restrictions starting February 1 to ensure domestic supply, impacting fresh, chilled, and frozen products.
Morocco is a leading non-EU supplier of fishery products to the EU, with imports valued at approximately €182 million in 2022. While stocks off Spain and Portugal have recovered, they are insufficient to offset the reduced Moroccan supply. Meyer warned that the shortage is unlikely to ease quickly and could lead to price increases, prompting producers to explore alternative species like sardinella.
Why it mattersEuropean supermarkets and consumers are affected by reduced availability and potentially higher prices of sardines due to declining Moroccan catches and export restrictions.
Read in ASJ →New electoral rules target fake news, unauthorized image use, and privacy breaches with prison sentences and fines.
Morocco's electoral system has introduced new rules to criminalize practices that undermine national votes, affecting all 395 seats in the Lower House. These provisions specifically target the use of digital technologies to spread personal statements or images without consent, as well as to publish or share fake news, false allegations, or falsified documents. The aim is to protect voters and candidates from privacy breaches and defamation, and to prevent rumors that cast doubt on election credibility.
Penalties under the new Article 51-bis range from two to five years in prison and a fine of MAD 50,000 to 100,000, with severity dependent on the act. These measures address the rise of cybercrime, privacy violations, digital blackmail, and the spread of rumors, driven by advancements in digital technologies and AI. The law seeks to deter misleading digital campaigns and protect the democratic process from manipulation.
The new provisions aim to balance constitutional freedom of speech with online legal responsibility, safeguarding voters' and candidates' privacy. They require proof of intent to harm or unlawfully influence the electoral process, excluding cases where such intent is not established. The measures are expected to bolster citizen confidence in election transparency and deter harmful digital practices.
Why it mattersVoters and candidates are directly affected by new laws that criminalize the misuse of digital technologies to spread false information or violate privacy during elections.
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