AGP Executive Report

World Cup Bronze Showdown: England and France staged a wild 6-4 thriller in the third-place match, with Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa early strikes, Bukayo Saka’s brace, and Kylian Mbappé pulling France back before Jude Bellingham sealed it late. Morocco in the Spotlight: Morocco’s Hassan II stadium is at the center of a growing diplomatic race for the 2030 World Cup final, as Spain pushes its own venues while Morocco builds a massive new Casablanca-area arena. Track & Field Pride: British runner Josh Kerr shattered the 27-year-old mile world record in London, beating Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj’s mark. WAFCON Build-Up: Morocco’s Copper Queens and WAFCON Morocco 2026 preparations continue, with the tournament set for late July in Morocco. Tourism Push: Morocco’s National Tourism Office launched a Hong Kong campaign to attract more Chinese visitors, citing rising arrivals and expanded air links. Business & Food Security: OCP and Koch Ag & Energy Solutions signed a deal to expand phosphate fertilizer production in Morocco for global supply reliability. Sahara Rights Pressure: Sahrawi groups condemned filming in occupied Dakhla over concerns it could whitewash Morocco’s Western Sahara occupation.

World Cup (Morocco in the spotlight): Morocco’s World Cup run ended in the quarter-finals, but the tournament’s big takeaway for Africa was clear: late goals kept knocking teams out, even as Cape Verde’s debut run and viral keeper Vozinha showed the continent’s rising star power. Bronze Match (France-England): France and England meet in the third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane among the Golden Boot contenders and both sides chasing pride after semi-final heartbreak. Morocco-France security row: A new Forbidden Stories investigation alleges Morocco used Pegasus spyware to target French ministers and that France briefly considered buying the same tech—an issue now landing amid fresh Morocco-France security talks. Tourism push: Morocco’s National Tourism Office stepped up its campaign in Hong Kong to attract more Chinese visitors, citing growth from about 107,000 in 2023 to around 200,000 in 2025 and aiming higher in the coming years. Sports & society: Brazil’s human rights council urged the UN and FIFA to tackle racism after slurs and hate speech during the tournament.

Sahrawi Prisoners’ Health Crisis: Sahrawi civilian prisoner Mohamed Lamine Hadi remains on an open-ended hunger strike in Tiflet 2 prison, after reports of assault, solitary confinement and years of isolation. Human Rights Pressure: Naâma Asfari’s family says contact has been cut off since Monday as he enters about 40 days of hunger strike in Kenitra, with fears after major weight loss; ELDH and CEAS-Sahara again call for urgent medical care and release. Digital Governance: Morocco’s Digital Transition ministry and Capgemini Maroc signed an AI development MoU to boost public-sector AI skills and support startups via the Jazari Institute under Digital Morocco 2030. Security Cooperation: Morocco and Mauritania reviewed security and migration coordination in Rabat, aiming to strengthen bilateral mechanisms. Football & WAFCON Build-up: Nigeria’s Super Falcons cancelled a friendly against Ghana’s Black Queens in Casablanca ahead of WAFCON 2026 in Morocco. World Cup Final Spotlight: FIFA prize money for the 2026 final is set at a record US$50m for winners, with Morocco-linked officials named for key matches.

Morocco-France Diplomacy: Morocco and France wrapped up several cooperation and partnership deals in Rabat during the 15th High Level Meeting, including a letter of intention on feminist foreign policy, financing steps for the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail, and new commitments in the water sector. Parliamentary Links: A Morocco–Argentina Parliamentary Friendship Group was launched in Argentina’s Congress, aiming to deepen dialogue and cooperation in areas like food security and renewable energy. World Cup Spotlight (Morocco in the mix): FIFA confirmed Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić for the Spain–Argentina final, while Moroccan officials were named for the France–England third-place playoff. Legal Reform: Morocco’s new Civil Procedure Code takes effect Aug. 24, overhauling civil justice procedures after more than 50 years, with a major push toward digital filings and faster case handling. Trade Update: Morocco’s exports to the EU rose to €2.5bn in May, according to Eurostat.

Franco-Moroccan Reset: Morocco and France signed a technical arrangement and a defense-industry cooperation memorandum in Rabat, as PM Aziz Akhannouch said ties have entered an “implementation phase” after the 2024 diplomatic reset, while French PM Sébastien Lecornu praised security cooperation and reiterated Paris’ Western Sahara stance “will not change.” Energy & Infrastructure Deals: The same high-level meeting produced agreements across energy, infrastructure, finance, education, culture, postal services, defense and water, including plans for electricity interconnection and new rail support. Gaza Security Role: Morocco formalized participation in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, outlining a police, military and humanitarian deployment. Human Rights Watch: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s family reported loss of contact during an open-ended hunger strike, with rights groups warning of serious health deterioration. Sports & Morocco’s Spotlight: Coach Mohamed Ouahbi received federation confidence to continue toward the 2030 home World Cup; meanwhile, Morocco’s presence in global sport continues from athletics to WAFCON preparations. AfDB Rail Boost: The AfDB approved €205m to help Morocco complete its high-speed rail line linking Kenitra to Marrakech.

Gaza Security Deal: Morocco has signed an agreement to join the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, setting out how Rabat will deploy senior military officers, gendarmerie and police, and run a military field hospital as part of post-war security and humanitarian work. Diplomacy with France: French PM Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat to co-chair the 15th Morocco–France High-Level Meeting with Aziz Akhannouch, underscoring a renewed push in ties. Surveillance Allegations: A major international investigation renews claims that Morocco used Pegasus spyware to build a wide surveillance network targeting journalists, activists and political opponents. WAFCON Focus: Nigeria’s Super Falcons say their record WAFCON success won’t breed complacency as they defend the title in Morocco; meanwhile, Kenya’s Harambee Starlets and Malawi’s Scorchers are in final preparation mode for the tournament. Football & 2030 Plans: Morocco is also advancing its 2030 World Cup bid, including plans for a massive new stadium near Casablanca. World Cup Aftermath: France’s win over Morocco continues to ripple through coverage, with attention on match officials and VAR calls.

Gaza Crisis: Morocco signed on to join an international military stabilization force in post-war Gaza, sending senior officers to the ISF joint command after talks in Rabat—while Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least a dozen people over two days as truce talks in Cairo faltered. Legal Tensions: A nationwide strike by Moroccan lawyers entered its third week, disrupting court work and delaying criminal trials amid protests against Draft Law 66.23, which bar associations say was rushed and threatens defense rights. Human Rights Pressure: The mayor of Ivry-sur-Seine urged France’s Macron to intervene for the immediate release of Sahrawi political prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing UN findings and concerns over his health during an indefinite hunger strike. Sports & Morocco: Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi urged resilience after the Atlas Lions’ World Cup exit, while Malawi’s Scorchers arrived in Rabat for WAFCON preparations with a friendly against Morocco. Agriculture & Security: Morocco also backed a Nigeria-Morocco partnership on agricultural intelligence and food security, as desert locust pressure rises across Northwest Africa with Morocco facing the highest hotspot.

World Cup & Morocco in the spotlight: Morocco’s World Cup run is over, but the fallout is still everywhere—coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the team kept the same game plan versus France, while blaming a lack of “personality” for not controlling key moments. Referee buzz: Moroccan-born American Ismail Elfath is set to referee England vs Argentina in the semi-final, drawing extra attention because of his links to Messi’s big matches. WAFCON build-up: Morocco is hosting WAFCON 2026, with CAF announcing a “Stars Spotlight” webinar featuring top players, while Nigeria and Ghana renew their rivalry in a Casablanca friendly ahead of the tournament. Security & defense ties: The US and Morocco plan an Africa drone training and experimentation hub in Tan-Tan by 2030, including a drone academy for counterterrorism. Economy & trade: Morocco is set to raise MAD 5.5–6bn via July treasury bill auctions, and exports to Spain are strong—Morocco supplied €710m of Spain’s fruit and vegetable imports in the first four months of 2026. Justice & rights: Morocco issued 2,605 alternative sentencing rulings by mid-April, easing prison pressure, while Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s hunger strike continues amid international concern.

Human Rights Pressure: Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari’s health is worsening as his hunger strike enters its 36th day, with reports saying he’s in isolation in Kenitra Prison infirmary and has lost over nine kilograms; France’s Le Monde also spotlighted UN findings calling his detention unlawful. International Solidarity: Sahrawi community groups in France, plus supporters in Uganda and Costa Rica, have urged UN and EU action as diplomatic and parliamentary pressure grows. Elections Oversight: Morocco’s Interior Ministry is setting up a central election oversight committee ahead of the Sept. 23, 2026 vote, with electronic candidacy filing and regional/provincial supervision. Economy & Jobs: The World Bank launched a new 10-year partnership framework with Morocco focused on job creation and inclusive, resilient growth. Public Finance: Morocco expects July borrowing needs to ease to MAD 5.5–6 billion via Treasury bill auctions. Security: In Nigeria’s Borno, troops arrested a suspected foreign ISIS operative believed of Moroccan origin after a raid and pursuit around Lake Chad. Football & Culture: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi dismissed rumors about assistant João Sacramento and said Morocco lacked “personality” in the France loss; meanwhile, ElGrandeToto announced a Europe tour starting Nov. 2 in Madrid.

World Cup Semifinal Focus: France coach Didier Deschamps says Kylian Mbappé is “100%” fit for the Spain clash after a minor ankle injury scare in the Morocco quarterfinal, adding that Mbappé trained and was limited only in a drill. Morocco Football & Money: Morocco’s World Cup run still paid off, with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation earning over $56m from 2022 and 2026 campaigns. Media & Trust: Morocco’s HACA chief Latifa Akharbach urged stronger fact-checking and professional journalism to restore public trust and curb disinformation, warning social media can become an “echo chamber.” Press Freedom: Moroccan police arrested dissident commentator Ali Lmrabet at Tangier airport, with RSF citing an investigation over alleged false information harming constitutional institutions. Digital Rural Development: A new piece argues digital infrastructure is essential for rural Morocco—boosting education, jobs, and keeping young people from leaving. Women’s Inclusion: A World Bank framework highlights that only about 19% of Moroccan women are in the labor force, pointing to childcare, transport, unpaid care, and finance barriers. Heat & Weather: An orange-level heatwave alert warns of 40–45°C across multiple provinces from Tuesday to Friday.

World Cup Semifinal Focus: France booked the 2026 World Cup semis by beating Morocco 2-0, and Kylian Mbappé now says there’s “still a long way to go” as Les Bleus prepare to face Spain in Dallas, with FIFA appointing Salvadoran referee Iván Barton for the clash. Human Rights: Ecuadorian human rights groups urged Morocco to end the “arbitrary” detention of Sahrawi prisoner Naâma Asfari, citing a month-long hunger strike and deteriorating health in Kenitra prison. Women’s Inclusion: Morocco’s 2026 Gender-Responsive Budget Report highlights legal and governance gains for women, while a World Bank framework flags women’s labor force participation slipping to about 19%. Economy & Reform: Morocco ended CMI’s card-payment monopoly, allowing more operators and cutting interchange fees to 0.50% from October. Climate & Safety: An orange-level heat alert warns of 40–45°C from Tuesday to Friday across multiple provinces. Sports Beyond the Pitch: Super Falcons camp opened in Casablanca for WAFCON Morocco 2026, with nine players already in training. Security: Police at Casablanca’s airport arrested a German fugitive wanted for drug trafficking and arson, with extradition steps underway.

Humanitarian Diplomacy: Morocco reaffirmed its humanitarian approach at a UN symposium, citing HM King Mohammed VI’s vision and stressing civilian protection, shared responsibility, and respect for international humanitarian law. Football & Economy: Morocco’s Atlas Lions wrapped up a quarter-final exit to France, but still topped Africa’s World Cup earnings with $31.5m (and $58m across 2022+2026), while the semi-final bracket is now set for France–Spain and England–Argentina. Public Order: Morocco dissident journalist Ali Lmrabet was arrested at Tangier airport, with claims he’s being investigated over alleged false information. Transport & Trade: Spain’s new EU transport rules are disrupting Moroccan freight, with drivers facing delays, fines, and parking bottlenecks near ports. Infrastructure Boost: The AfDB approved €205m to extend Morocco’s high-speed rail corridor toward Marrakech. Weather & Risk: Morocco approved a new autonomous weather and climate agency, as heat and wildfire alerts continue. Business: Nexira acquired Moroccan carob ingredients producer Keragum to expand natural food ingredient supply.

Atlas Lions Return Home: Morocco’s national team landed at Rabat-Salé Airport on Sunday after a 2-0 quarter-final defeat to France in Boston, ending a run that made them the only African and Arab side to reach the last eight at the 48-team World Cup. World Cup Money: Morocco earned a combined $58m from the 2022 and 2026 tournaments, including $31.5m for reaching the quarters in 2026. Coach’s Message: Mohamed Ouahbi apologized to fans for the France loss but said the ambition “has not” ended, pledging a stronger comeback. Next Big Focus—2030: With Morocco already set as co-host for the 2030 World Cup, attention is shifting to building toward the next tournament. Human Rights Diplomacy: A French MP urged the French prime minister to raise the issue of Sahrawi political prisoners during an official visit to Morocco. Weather & Heat: Morocco braces for extreme heat, with forecasts near 42°C in parts of the southeast, while authorities also battled a wildfire near Afous in Errachidia. Food Data Upgrade: Morocco’s HCP and FAO launched the Table Marocaine de Composition des Aliments, expanding local nutrition data to 1,001 foods to help doctors advise patients more accurately. Politics Ahead of Elections: The Interior Ministry plans new talks with political parties ahead of the Sept. 23 House of Representatives vote. Digital Security Funding: Moroccan AI cybersecurity startup Nucleon Security raised €3m in a seed round with Orange Ventures.

World Cup Fallout: France beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinal in Boston, with Kylian Mbappé converting after a first-half penalty miss and then setting up Ousmane Dembélé; Morocco’s coach Mohamed Ouahbi apologized to fans and said the ambition remains as the Atlas Lions reset for future tournaments. 2030 Co-Hosting Focus: With Morocco already qualified as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, the team’s attention is shifting to building for the next trophy run. Public Order in Europe: After the loss, clashes and unrest were reported in London, with a police officer injured and arrests made; in The Hague, antisemitic chants were recorded during a Moroccan fan gathering. Wildfire Watch: Authorities continued fighting a wildfire near Afous oasis in Errachidia, while extreme heat warnings keep Morocco on high alert. Trade & Investment: Morocco’s Interior Ministry will hold new talks with political parties ahead of the Sept. 23 legislative elections; UNCTAD also highlighted Morocco’s stronger investment appeal, while Morocco and Indonesia discussed halal certification cooperation. Economy & Tech: Bank Al-Maghrib cut interchange fees on electronic payments to 0.50%, and Nucleon Security (with Orange Morocco) raised €3m to expand AI cybersecurity. Health & Industry: Galenica shipped its first pharmaceutical export to Russia under Eurasian Economic Union rules. Education: Over 64,000 students passed Morocco’s baccalaureate resit exams, with an overall pass rate of 81.6%.

World Cup Fallout: France beat Morocco 2-0 again, sending the Atlas Lions out of the 2026 quarterfinals and ending Africa’s hopes at the tournament; Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the team will “keep working for the future,” while France’s Kylian Mbappé bounced back after a saved penalty to score and set up Ousmane Dembélé. Public Safety: After the loss, clashes erupted in London; police said four were arrested for violent disorder and one officer was hospitalized with a head injury. Hate Speech in Europe: In The Hague, Moroccan fans chanted antisemitic slogans calling for Jews to be killed, with videos showing police arriving after the crowd grew. Politics & Elections: Morocco’s Interior Ministry will hold new talks with political parties next Tuesday ahead of the Sept. 23 House of Representatives election. Education: 64,586 students passed Morocco’s baccalaureate resit exams, bringing the overall pass rate to 81.6%. Economy & Trade: UNCTAD says Morocco boosted investment appeal in 2025, with FDI flows up 91% to $3.3bn; Indonesia and Morocco also discussed halal certification cooperation. Digital & Security: Moroccan AI cybersecurity startup Nucleon Security raised €3m with Orange Ventures to expand automated cyber protection. Energy Watch: Oil price volatility tied to Middle East tensions is raising questions about whether Morocco’s recent fuel-price decline will last.

World Cup Aftermath: Morocco’s Atlas Lions bowed out again to France, losing 2-0 in the quarterfinal in Boston, repeating the same scoreline from 2022; France’s Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé struck after a goalless first half, while Morocco managed just one late shot on target and coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the team must regroup and improve. Sportsmanship & Fans: Despite the defeat, Moroccan supporters embraced the “General Mbappé” trend, saluting the French captain; internationally, Yassine Bounou drew praise for keeping the score respectable. Public Order in Europe: The loss sparked clashes in London, where a police officer was injured and four people were arrested after bottles and fireworks were thrown; similar unrest was reported in the Netherlands. Payments & Cost of Living: Bank Al-Maghrib cut interchange fees on domestic card payments to 0.50% from 1 October 2026, with a 0.15% cap for government and local retail transactions. Water Watch: Morocco’s reservoirs lost about 158.6 million cubic meters in the first 10 days of July, though storage remains far above last year. Trade & Industry: Morocco is expanding trade ties with Indonesia/ASEAN, while Stellantis launched the Morocco-built Fiat Topolino in the US.