AGP Executive Report

Politics: Morocco’s House of Representatives is set to elect its speaker Tuesday, as the Party of Progress and Socialism says it will join Fatima Zahra El Mansouri’s incoming government. Digital Economy: A Rabat cybersecurity conference is bringing officials and experts together to discuss protecting critical systems, while Bank Al-Maghrib says tests show a digital dirham is technically feasible—not that a launch is imminent. Sahara Diplomacy: France wants Morocco’s autonomy plan to feature more prominently in a new UN resolution, as Security Council discussions approach. Security: Morocco and Israel are reportedly in advanced talks over a possible David’s Sling air-defence deal; separately, authorities arrested a 22-year-old in Tangier over a suspected ISIS-linked plot. Sport: The Futsal Africa Cup of Nations has opened in Rabat, with eight teams competing through October 21 as Morocco seeks a fourth straight title.

Morocco–Spain Relations: King Mohammed VI says the migration partnership with Madrid has reached its limits and calls for a new cooperation strategy, as Spain’s election campaign puts Ceuta at the centre of political debate. Spanish police cleared the last major migrant camp there ahead of King Felipe VI’s visit, moving hundreds of people to reception centres. Agriculture and Water: Reservoirs are more than twice as full as a year ago, raising hopes that farmers can expand cereal and legume planting this season. Futsal: Morocco begins its title defence at the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, opening against Algeria. Floods: Flash floods in southern Morocco have killed at least two people and swept away vehicles and roads.

Morocco–Spain Tensions: King Mohammed VI called the migration cooperation model with Spain outdated and urged a new approach based on mutual respect, saying Morocco’s partnerships are sovereign choices. The remarks came as Spanish police cleared Ceuta’s last major migrant camp before the king’s visit; some migrants allege they were mistreated. Sahara Diplomacy: Washington is weighing options for the UN mission in Western Sahara before its mandate expires on October 31, including renewal or changes to its role. Flood Emergency: Flash floods in southern Morocco killed at least two people and swept away roads and vehicles; three tourists were rescued near Zagora. Agriculture and Industry: Morocco and the US are exploring joint research on climate resilience, soil health and crop improvement. At the Marrakech Airshow, UAE entities also signed two agreements with Morocco’s defence administration.

Flood Emergency: Flash floods in southern Morocco have killed at least two people, swept away vehicles and damaged roads and infrastructure. Three tourists were rescued near Zagora as authorities warned drivers not to cross flooded waterways. Royal Agenda: King Mohammed VI urged a stronger focus on water, energy and food security, youth employment and regional development, calling for faster decentralisation and greater private investment. Government Formation: Coalition talks led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri remain unresolved, with negotiations turning to ministerial posts and a majority ahead of the Oct. 20 budget deadline. Defense Industry: UAE group EDGE signed deals to supply precision weapons and explore local production of small arms and aircraft engines. Forafric Global also plans to acquire Moroccan defense platform AL NASR, subject to approvals. Digital Economy: Morocco’s AI 2030 roadmap targets a MAD100 billion contribution to GDP, 50,000 jobs and training for 200,000 people by 2030. Security: Authorities arrested a 22-year-old in Tangier over an alleged ISIS-linked plot; investigators seized equipment and chemicals for examination.

Parliament and Policy: King Mohammed VI opened the new parliamentary session by urging faster regional devolution and putting youth, jobs and economic opportunity at the heart of public policy. He also called for a new framework with Spain, saying migration cooperation had reached its limits. Security: Police near Fez seized 4.1 tonnes of hashish, boats and marine engines and arrested three suspects in an investigation into an alleged trafficking network. AFCON Dispute: The Court of Arbitration for Sport is deliberating after hearing Senegal’s appeal over CAF’s decision to award Morocco the 2025 title; no ruling date has been set. Aerospace and Defence: The Marrakech Airshow highlighted Morocco’s growing aerospace ambitions, while the UAE’s EDGE agreed to supply precision-guided weapons for Moroccan drones. Sport: Morocco hosts the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations from October 12, seeking a fourth title. Weather: Thunderstorms and rain are forecast across several regions on Saturday.

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.