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Lazy Developers are the #1 Security issue 3227

Tariq Daouda, 25 d.
Open-source used to be the best you could do security wise. Someone, or a small team would start a project about a true unmet need, open-source it on the internet, a community would grow around it. That community would be thousands of people strong, working tirelessly 24/7 to make the project better, while the original team would usually serve as "benevolent dictators". This means that every line of code is in the open and audited by several dedicated programmers before it is officially released. This is an extraordinary efficient model for development and security, that made open-source software the foundation of the internet and much more. This model gave us Apache, GNU/Linux, Git, ffmpeg, pyTorch, MySQL, ... just to name a few. Without it, there is no modern computer science, there is no modern internet, no modern operating systems, no modern AI. Of course, it is not a bullet proof system, bad actors still try to exploit bugs and integrate backdoors into open-source software. However, these are identified by the community and promptly corrected at a pace that proprietary software can never match. Hardened security through radical openness. This system worked because it is maintained by passionate people with very high technical knowledge and abilities. These projects are all coded in low-level programming languages (means harder), not high-level scripting languages. Fast-forward to today, a world dominated by nodesjs and scripting languages in general. Scripting languages like Python and Javascript have allowed many more people to integrate the folds of the "Developers". These languages are orders of magnitude easier to learn, do not require compilation, and due to many technological advancements, are now fast enough to be used in serious applications. However their massive adoption also had the unintended consequence of lowering security standards in open-source and therefore everywhere. Nodesjs is now for many the preferred way of building "full-stack" applications. One single language for both the backend and the frontend is a very enticing premise. However Javascript, was never meant to be a secure language and more importantly the scripting language came with a lazyness culture. Gone are the days where programmers would fight off to show their skills and understanding of the machine, to see would come up with the most efficient, the most elegant and the most secure code. Now there is often expediency and lack of skill disguised as "efficiency". Why reinvent the wheel, when you can just import a free package (under MIT license) made by someone you don't know. That seemingly wise advise has now created a security nightmare of package dependencies that are impossible to audit. There are now millions of open-source nodesjs packages. Most of these packages, are not, or very poorly maintained, they don't have sizeable communities supporting them. For most of them their makers have either moved on, or don't have the technical abilities to assess wether some piece of code could produce an exploit that some bad actors could use. These millions of packages all prime targets for bad actors looking for ways to insert backdoors into software used by millions. If an application requires 600MB of dependencies, it is not secure. That number should make any security aware person shudder. Of course you can sandbox applications, but that is not enough. Write your own code. Use as little dependencies as you can.

The compagnonnage, a forgotten path for reintegrating young NEETs... 3519

Aziz Daouda, 28 d.
- Politics - Society - Business -
3.1 min read.
If there is a situation requiring a quick, very quick response, it is that of the NEETs. These young people will not just disappear. As they get older, their problems, and therefore ours, will become increasingly difficult to manage and contain. The government must find sustainable solutions to reintegrate these young people who are neither employed nor in education or training, the famous NEET: Not in Employment, Education or Training. An old path could prove surprisingly modern: le compagnonnage. Inherited from artisanal traditions, this form of direct apprenticeship, which has proven itself throughout our history, has not been abandoned elsewhere. In many European countries, workshop-based learning is a cornerstone of vocational training. The idea should inspire a new Moroccan model of integration and skills transmission, restoring meaning to learning through contact with crafts. Not so long ago, this was the case even for some modern trades: hairdressing, mechanics, and others. It is time to rethink all this and also to look at what happens elsewhere in countries where childhood and its rights are perfectly protected, but where learning a trade in a workshop is not forbidden, in fact, quite the opposite. In Switzerland or Germany, the so-called "dual" system combines theoretical teaching and practical experience in a company. It enables young people to acquire a recognized qualification while participating in the productive life of the country. It is, for example, the essential pillar of Swiss excellence in watchmaking. This learning model values transmission and the accuracy of gestures, and helps keep manual and artisanal professions alive while reducing youth unemployment. Yet today, it is clear that many traditional Moroccan trades are in decline and risk disappearing due to a lack of Maâlems. Le compagnonnage places the relationship between master and apprentice at the heart of the training, along with mobility between workshops and the creation of masterpieces in which the apprentice proudly participates and sees their efforts realized, with client appreciation being the sole measure of evaluation. Vocational schools cannot offer such an emotional connection to trades. Le compagnonnage values patience, excellence, and pride in one’s craft, values that resonate with Moroccan artisanal culture. In Morocco, the situation is surprisingly paradoxical. Policies combating child labor have certainly made spectacular progress: the number of working minors has dropped by nearly 94% in twenty years. But the legislation, in its protective zeal, does not clearly distinguish illegal work from supervised apprenticeship. The result is unequivocal: workshops where knowledge of wood, leather, or metal was once passed on are closing one after another, unable to welcome apprentices without breaking the law, while hundreds of thousands of young people are abandoned to the street and its risks. This confusion between "exploitation" and "practical training" deprives hundreds of young people today of a genuine path to apprenticeship and weakens an entire sector of the national artisanal heritage. To quickly reclaim this historic force for absorbing NEETs, a revised, flexible legal framework is urgent. Once again, the lesson can come from Europe. International comparisons can offer valuable insight. In Switzerland, vocational training relies on a true alliance between schools, businesses, and local authorities. Apprenticeship is valued as a path to excellence. Young people have the opportunity and good fortune to alternate between classes and workshop practice. They gain solid experience and obtain a recognized federal certificate. This system ensures rapid integration into the labor market while guaranteeing clear protection for minors and institutional recognition of the apprentice status. The result of this pragmatism is that manual and artisanal trades remain alive and respected. In Germany, the dual model also combines theoretical training and work-based apprenticeship. It allows young people to enter the workforce early with protected and supervised status. The system is recognized for its ability to prevent youth unemployment and maintain a high level of technical skill, especially in industrial and artisanal trades. Morocco, by contrast, still struggles to structure this link between apprenticeship and training. Artisanal apprenticeship remains largely informal, subject to restrictive legislation that tends to confuse formative supervision with illegal labor. While protection for minors is generally strong, it remains unclear when it comes to practical training. This results in unequal integration of young people depending on the sector, while many traditional trades that create wealth are now threatened with disappearance due to lack of successors. The guiding philosophy of the necessary reform today should be the rehabilitation of the Maalem's role. Fortunately, Morocco still has a priceless asset: its network of master artisans, or Maâlems, guardians of centuries-old traditions in ironwork, jewelry, carpentry, and pottery. Giving these masters a legal and formative place would be a first step toward creating a Moroccan compagnonnage, adapted to local realities and oriented towards modernity. This would require reforming child labor laws to distinguish structured apprenticeship from precarious work and creating institutional bridges between traditional crafts and formal vocational training programs. This is a future path for young NEETs and these thousands of out-of-school Moroccan youth. Apprenticeship with a Maalem is not a step backward but a modern reinvention of the link between knowledge, work, and dignity. The Maâlems is a master, an educator, a transmitter of strong values. And let us not forget that this is how Fès was an industrial city, how Marrakech has kept an authenticity giving it its unique charm, how Ouarzazate is Ouarzazate, and how Chefchaouen is Chefchaouen. Framed by the state, recognized by institutions, and supported by local incentives, this model could help restore hope to a youth searching for meaning, while preserving the heritage trades that form Morocco’s cultural wealth, which sets it apart and makes it strong. In every apprentice, there is the seed of a good citizen; in every apprentice lies a small or medium enterprise.

And if taxation became the key to our solutions in response to the anger of young people in Morocco? 4650

Aziz Daouda, 1 mon.
- Politics - Society - Business -
3.3 min read.
At the end of September 2025, many young Moroccans protested everywhere to demand social justice, educational reforms, better access to healthcare, and the fight against corruption. This unprecedented movement, driven by Generation Z through the GenZ 212 collective, expressed deep distress in the face of precariousness, high unemployment reaching around 35% among 15-24 year olds, and a feeling of social injustice with millions of NEETs. This was predictable: recent inflation rates, the widespread decline in purchasing power, the pressure on street vendors who were suddenly targeted for eradication, some hastily decided measures linked to the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup could not remain without reaction from the population, and it was the youth who carried it. Projects that were supposed to unite us have in fact divided us. In response to this mobilization, everyone awaited attentively the speech of His Majesty King Mohammed VI on Friday, October 10, at the constitutional opening of the parliamentary session. It was the last speech before these parliamentarians. The next one in Parliament will be delivered in front of other parliamentarians of our choosing as well. We were all hanging on the Sovereign’s words, his tone, his gestures. The paternal serenity of the king reassured us from the first moments of his appearance. In perfect continuity with the Throne speech, the Sovereign insisted on responsibility and dialogue within institutions. He emphasized the importance of unity, stability, transparency, and social justice, and recalled the need for urgent reforms both in perception and structure, to build a united and prosperous Morocco. The line is drawn and the course specified: Morocco must become an emerging country and reach a GDP of 300 billion USD as soon as possible, benefiting the entire population and all regions of the country. The anger is perceived intelligently with serenity, and a clear response: based on major achievements, Morocco is embarking on a new era in its development, a more inclusive era that relies on the specificities and strengths of each region. The speech actually calls for a patriotic pact with the commitment of all. A pact in which projects do not collide but complement each other for the benefit of the people. Thus, the parliamentary session is launched and will tackle the finance bill, and it is the responsibility of the elected representatives to debate it. In the current context and to respond to royal directives, deputies as well as the government must think outside the box and debate constructively, certainly partisan but in the interest of the whole nation. In this context, taxation can become a more effective and better-adapted tool to the period we are going through and to each region. It must no longer be perceived or felt as a burden or merely a collection tool but as a strategic lever capable of supporting economic and social solutions. Too often reduced to tax collection to finance public spending, it can and must become an engine of growth, investment, and employment, particularly to meet the expectations of young people. It must become a lever for development and fairness. Among other things, it will be necessary to question the progressive tax reform between 2023 and 2026, which is debated, particularly with the rise of the corporate tax rate (IS) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For SMEs whose net taxable profit is less than or equal to 300,000 dirhams, the IS rate increased from 12.5% in 2023 to 17.5% in 2025, and will reach 20% in 2026. This reform aimed to adjust taxation while stimulating economic growth but raises questions about the real impact on SMEs and their capacity to invest and create jobs essential for Moroccan youth. It must be emphasized that SMEs create the most jobs in Morocco, just after the informal sector. The government, which wanted to create jobs, blocked this momentum, including by this poorly timed reform. On the contrary, SMEs which employ the most should benefit from significant tax deductions to help them grow. Internationally, several countries show that lightened taxation favors competitiveness and attracts investments, such as Ireland with a general IS rate of 12.5%. The Moroccan fiscal framework must be readjusted to stimulate growth and strengthen social justice while ensuring sufficient public revenues. The challenge in Morocco is to adopt taxation that supports economic recovery while responding to the youth's aspirations for more fairness. This requires joint commitment from the government and parliament to design a transparent, fair tax policy adapted to the reality of SMEs, informal entrepreneurs, and young workers. Taxation that leaves maximum purchasing power to citizens, thus stimulating the true engine of growth: domestic demand. A VAT of 20% does not do this. Integrating informal activities through taxation adapted to their size would allow valuing these actors as genuine entrepreneurs in the making, thus contributing to the formalization of the economy without crushing their capacities. A street vendor is actually the bearer of an SME project. How many success stories have been forged from precarious activities? Certainly, all this must be organized and regulated, but how does a young person starting a small business disturb us? The space belongs to everyone, including youth launching their own ventures without bothering anyone. Banning them makes bitter avengers ready for anything, while we are unable to offer them alternatives. In this period of social tensions and hopes for a better Morocco, taxation can become a powerful lever for economic transformation. It must be rethought not as a brake, but as a tool for collective emancipation. Deputies and ministers should read Ibn Khaldoun on this subject. Making taxation a factor of redistribution through prosperity, serving citizens and especially youth, is a path to explore to build a fairer, stronger Morocco capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges. Moreover, promoting national successes in all fields, from entrepreneurship to sports to culture, is essential to nurture the pride and ambition of young Moroccans. The exemplary achievements of our compatriots should be mandatorily taught in schools to inspire curiosity, admiration, and serve as examples through work and innovation.

Wealth inequality as a question of Inflation and Taxation 4218

Tariq Daouda, 2 mon.
Wealth inequality has been periodically rising up at the forefront of political discussions since 2008: almost 20 years now. With the same seemingly smart analysis pointing out that wealth inequality results in social unrest, often terminating with the "solution" of taxing the rich. First of all, although it does seem that wealth inequality leads to social unrest today, it's not at all a historical fact, when historical societies with massive wealth inequality have persisted for centuries. This raises the question of political manipulation and instrumentalisation. It also points out to a material switch in the moral compass that occurred more than century ago. Fruit of a materialism Zeitgeist that colored of all the "isms" of the era: Capitalism, Marxisim, Socialism and Communism ideologies, etc.. . All raised materiality has a moral imperative. Above kindness, honesty, generosity, honor, and the rest of the set of virtues that humanity has recognized for ages. When inflation rises the value of assets compared to money increases. It means that, as money devalues, if you own land, stocks, businesses, and things of the sort, you do not get to be richer, but you get to keep what you have. This is what is commonly referred to as "the transfer of wealth" to the richest. It's not a transfer at all, the word "transfer" suggests that wealth is being taken from the population at large and given to the richest. What is happening is that the asset of most people is "Money / Currency". This is a devaluating asset by design (the inflation rate set by central banks), and the more it devalues, the less it is worth compared to everything else. Then there is taxation. Taxation disproportionately affects people who derive their income from good paying salaries. . When adding up all taxes indexed on their salaries and the indirect taxes, their tax burden can be over 60%. These are historically high numbers, nowhere near the taxation levels of asset owners, or the low salaries earners. It means they don't even get to keep half of what they made. These incredibly high numbers also hinder the capacity of the most productive members of the population to acquire assets, start businesses, and over all participate into the economy to their full extent. In comparison, the lowest payed workers. However they are disproportionally affected by indirect taxation and consumption taxes (ex: VAT). That represent a higher percentage of their income. The most direct solution to reducing wealth inequality, is not to make the richest poorer. It's to make everybody richer, and the shortest path to do that is to get rid of inflation, lower the tax burden on salaries and, have a very low or even no consumption tax. It seems obvious, let people keep most of what they make so that they attain higher levels of material wellbeing doing what they already do. And make sure that their savings do not lose value over time.

Morocco and the Cannabis Renaissance: History, Regulation, and Current Economic Challenges... 4847

Aziz Daouda, 2 mon.
Morocco has entered a major phase in structuring its cannabis industry, with the authorization to market 67 derived products: 26 cosmetics and 41 dietary supplements, all compliant with standards and duly registered with the Moroccan Agency for Medicine and Health Products. This step is preliminary to their placement on the national market or export. The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities, through its vigilance, reflects the country’s determination to maintain its credibility with investors and foreign partners in a rapidly expanding global market. While many citizens believe that kif was banned because it is harmful to health, a historical review clarifies what really happened and why this miraculous plant suddenly became a target in the war on drugs. Hemp has had multiple uses for millennia. As a strong textile fiber, it was used to make sails and ropes for ships. Without it, humans could not have navigated for long distances. Early printed papers and clothing in many regions were also hemp-based. Its cultivation required little labor and water, making it a formidable competitor to cotton. The prohibition of cannabis must be reconsidered in light of the Industrial Revolution and the rise of cotton from the 19th century onwards. Spinning and weaving machines designed for cotton gradually made it the dominant fiber, driving its massive growth. Moreover, the British and American colonial empires exploited vast plantations with servile labor, first through slavery, then poorly paid workers. These powerful interests put hemp at a disadvantage. The decisive turning point occurred in the 1930s in the United States, when the cotton, paper, and emerging chemical industries, notably with synthetic fibers, allied to eliminate hemp. Harry Anslinger, then head of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics, likely in collusion with large industrial interests, led a campaign deliberately conflating industrial hemp with recreational cannabis. In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act banned hemp cultivation. Thanks to propaganda and economic interests, this policy spread worldwide. In 1961, the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs classified cannabis among strictly controlled drugs, even for medical and industrial use, thus marginalizing hemp over the long term. Cotton then became the dominant fiber, favoring industrial networks. In Morocco, kif, a traditional form of cannabis often mixed with tobacco and smoked in a sebsi pipe, lies at the heart of a rich and complex history marked by social, political, and economic dynamics. For centuries, kif has been grown mainly in the north, around Chefchaouen, Ketama, and Issaguen. Far from being just an illegal plant, it was historically tolerated and seen as essential to local subsistence. Used for its social and medicinal virtues, kif was part of daily life almost everywhere. Since 1906, a company was created to ensure state control over kif. Under the Protectorate, it was officially named the Régie du Kif et des Tabacs. The reasons were mostly fiscal from 1917. Spanish authorities in the north applied more flexible rules, pragmatically dealing with local tribes. Upon independence, Morocco inherited a complex dilemma: kif was deeply rooted in society but faced growing international pressure. Under Mohammed V and then Hassan II, the country adopted gradual measures. The state monopoly was abolished in 1957–1958, and cultivation became illegal, even though tacit tolerance persisted in some historic Rif zones. The 1970s marked a crackdown under increasing pressure from the United States and Europe. The Moroccan 1974 narcotics law strictly banned cultivation, consumption, and sale of kif. Yet despite heightened repression, clandestine production exploded, driven by strong European demand. The Rif established itself as one of the world’s major cannabis resin basins. After decades of prohibition and socio-economic conflicts linked to kif, and under pressure from scientists and the public, in view of global developments, Morocco took a turning point in 2021 by enacting a law framing the legal use of cannabis for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes. Recreational consumption remains prohibited. The state is gradually integrating growers into a legal, controlled sector, reducing informality and improving local economic conditions. The history of kif in Morocco is a trajectory marked by millennia of tolerance, colonial regulations, prohibitions imposed under international pressure, before opening the way to a recent, intelligent, legal, and regulated reconversion. Today, hemp is regaining recognition almost everywhere. Less water-intensive, soil-friendly, producing seeds, oil, and natural insulating materials, it is becoming a pillar of the ecological transition. This plant, once banned to protect powerful economic interests, now seeks to reclaim its historic and natural place. This revival is particularly visible in Morocco. The area legally cultivated with hemp more than tripled in 2025 with 4,400 hectares sown, mainly with the local “baladiya” variety, a tangible sign of growth after decades of informality. It is an economic revitalization lever for Rif regions traditionally dependent on an underground economy. The 2021 legalization aims to channel a historic production into a regulated framework while creating a high-value-added industry. Beyond agriculture, a complete chain of processing, packaging, certification, and export is being set up, generating fiscal revenues and enhancing Morocco’s attractiveness to international investors. It is no longer just about cultivating cannabis, but about developing a structured industry that respects strict standards and can compete in a dynamic global market. This economic transformation is seen as a chance to reconcile a long-illegal sector with the mechanisms of a powerful economy. Challenges remain numerous, from strict regulation to combating illicit diversions, organizing cooperatives, and fiscal adaptation. But the course is clear: transform an ancient agricultural heritage into an engine of inclusive growth and sustainable economic integration.

Moroccan Policy in Africa: An Engaged and Unifying Dynamic 5032

Aziz Daouda, 2 mon.
Under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco pursues a proactive and inclusive African policy aimed at strengthening its economic, political, social, and cultural ties with the continent. This strategy favors pragmatic bilateralism, promoting African economic integration, south-south cooperation, and strategic partnerships. Agreements have been signed with over 40 African countries. Morocco’s return to the African Union in 2017 marked a major turning point in this strategy and became a true accelerator. The Kingdom is also interested in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a growth driver. Among key projects in this perspective is the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, stretching 5,600 km. It will connect West Africa to North Africa and transport around 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. It will improve energy access for no less than 400 million people across 13 countries. This project fits within Morocco's energy transition strategy. Estimated at more than 25 billion dollars, it heralds major benefits for energy security and regional development through complementarity. Morocco is also strongly committed to education and skills training, offering nearly 15,000 scholarships annually to students from 49 countries. About 20,000 African students are welcomed each year in fields such as engineering, medicine, finance, and social sciences, thanks to the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). This ambitious program aims to train a new generation of leaders and strengthens scientific and cultural exchanges. The Moroccan economy is well established in Africa, with over 1,000 companies active in banking, real estate, telecommunications, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE Bank of Africa, and Groupe Banque Populaire operate in more than 26 countries, generating hundreds of millions of dirhams in Sub-Saharan Africa. These institutions, with 45 subsidiaries and 4 branches, realize about 23% of their turnover on the continent, facilitating project financing and regional financial integration. Wafa Assurance and the Saham Group also strengthen this presence in numerous countries. The Moroccan health system, known for its modern infrastructure and skilled personnel, attracts thousands of Africans annually for various treatments, reinforcing human ties. Morocco also develops projects in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, vocational training, and infrastructure, supported by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sustainable Development. More than 60% of Moroccan foreign direct investment (FDI) targets Africa. Morocco’s trade with Africa remains modest compared to its total foreign trade: around 7 to 8%. However, this margin for growth is very large and promising. Trade volumes have significantly increased. In 2023, total trade volume between Morocco and African countries reached 52.7 billion dirhams, representing a 45% rise compared to 36 billion dirhams in 2013, with an average annual growth of about 10%. Maroc Telecom, active in 10 countries, serves approximately 54 million customers, contributing to digital integration. Groups such as Ynna Holding, Alliances, and Addoha lead major projects in several countries, notably housing and hospital construction. In agriculture, OCP Africa operates in 18 countries, training over 1.5 million farmers and providing fertilizers tailored to local soils and farming types. Its Agribooster program facilitates access to inputs, financing, and markets, boosting productivity and food security. OCP also invests in fertilizer blending and storage units across several countries and collaborates on innovative projects with USAID and the World Bank, including green ammonia production. SOMAGEC, a major Moroccan port operator, carries out projects in Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Benin, and Djibouti, employing thousands. Africa Motors, a subsidiary of Auto Hall, develops automotive production and distribution in partnership with Dongfeng for several African markets. Sport is also a cooperation lever: the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has signed more than 43 partnerships with African federations. Through its companies and projects, Morocco consolidates its key role in African development, based on solidarity, economic integration, and shared prosperity, eliciting both jealousy and recognition. Moroccan cooperation in Africa is a strategic pillar built on sharing expertise, economic development, and strengthening cultural ties. Thanks to its geographic and historic positioning, Morocco plays a major role in regional integration, supporting infrastructure, training, and innovation projects. This cooperation is characterized by a lasting commitment to promote peace, security, and sustainable development across Africa. The proposed opening-up of the Sahel countries through the future port of Dakhla will undoubtedly accelerate this integration for the benefit of hundreds of millions of Africans. The idea to build ports like Dakhla relies heavily on Morocco’s strategic geography. This is evident on the map: Morocco has a coastline of over 3,500 km, facing Europe, West Africa, and the Americas. Dakhla, in particular, lies halfway between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, making it a natural maritime waypoint. Morocco’s Atlantic coast is on the route linking the Mediterranean (via Gibraltar) to West Africa and the Americas, capturing a portion of global logistic flows. Morocco is less than 15 km from Europe at Gibraltar and simultaneously connected to West Africa. The port of Dakhla fits this logic: serving as a logistical and industrial hub between the two continents. The Dakhla area offers favorable natural conditions: deep waters and low swell, allowing the construction of a port capable of accommodating large ships, a rarity on the West African coast. With the Continental Free Trade Area, a port like Dakhla will allow Morocco to be an entry point for commercial flows to West Africa and beyond to Mali, Niger, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and more. Morocco has understood this, as have its African partners. The future will be bright, hand in hand.

Moroccan Tourism in 2025: Spectacular Growth but Persistent Challenges 13420

Aziz Daouda, 4 mon.
Moroccan tourism has been experiencing a very favorable phase since 2024. Tourism revenues reached nearly 50 billion dirhams in the first quarter of the current year, confirming a robust recovery after the global health crisis. This upswing is the result of a combination of factors that can be analyzed from several perspectives. Certainly, the gradual lifting of health restrictions worldwide enabled a massive return of international visitors, particularly Europeans, but also travelers from other regions of the globe. With its unique cultural richness, history, lively medinas, diverse landscapes ranging from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, sunshine, colors, unparalleled craftsmanship, refined cuisine, and the warmth of Moroccans—their smiles, their ability to quickly connect with others, and their tolerance—the Kingdom has managed to attract clientele seeking authentic and varied experiences. After two difficult years, this strong recovery reflects renewed tourist interest in the destination. According to the government, the rise of the tourism sector is linked to a strategy and sustained policy of investment in infrastructure: world-class hotels, improved transport networks, airport modernization, and expansion of air routes. These efforts have undoubtedly significantly enhanced the country’s accessibility as well as visitor comfort and security, all now essential elements to remain competitive in a highly competitive international market. The Kingdom has also heavily invested in its global visibility through well-calibrated promotion campaigns, regular presence at major international trade shows, and strategic partnerships with key tourism players. This well-thought marketing strategy has attracted a diverse clientele, amplifying the effect of a strong national brand. Developing the tourism offer plays a crucial role in this dynamic. In addition to traditional cultural and seaside getaways that the country is famous for, Morocco is now focusing on growing segments: adventure tourism, desert trekking, extreme sports, ecotourism, national parks, protected areas, and cultural events, international festivals, and exhibitions. This diversification aims to attract different tourist profiles year-round and avoid excessive seasonality. The exceptional event of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, through the performance of the Moroccan national team and the enthusiastic support of its supporters in the stadium and the streets of Doha, had an amplifying effect on the country’s global visibility and image. This competition put Morocco on the international tourism map, attracting a significant influx of visitors and creating immediate spotlight on its attractions. As a direct result, Morocco exceeded in 2024 its initial target of 17.5 million tourists planned for 2026—a remarkable achievement. However, without contesting the announced figures, this bright spot should not mask certain challenges. A closer look at the statistics reveals a different reality. A significant portion of recorded tourists, about 50%, are Moroccans residing abroad (MRE), who visit mainly for family reasons rather than tourism linked to government strategies. It should not be overlooked that these same MRE often denounce recurring problems, foremost among them the high cost of air transport with Royal Air Maroc, which is heavily subsidized by public funds. Price gouging in hotels and restaurants, especially in summer, is also widely criticized. These difficulties impact the retention of international visitors as well, as return rates are very low. The fact that operators at all levels impose exorbitant price increases during peak season tarnishes the country’s image and discourages visitors. Staying in Morocco is abusively expensive for unclear reasons. Indeed, few tourists return multiple times after their first visit. This raises questions about the quality of the customer experience and the destination’s competitiveness. Excluding MRE and visitors traveling for professional reasons, the number of foreigners visiting Morocco by deliberate choice is therefore not that high. This calls into question the efficiency of the very large subsidies granted to the sector and, above all, the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns. The Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Office attribute the recorded success to their proactive policy, but the reality shows that this growth largely relies on the emotional attachment of the MRE, a factor less controllable by public authorities. Will the post-World Cup momentum and the goodwill generated be sustained over the long term? It is difficult to precisely gauge how much of the upswing is due to the World Cup context and what the real impact of public policies is, especially subsidies and aid allocated to the sector. This impact, however, cannot be ignored. To maintain the course and ensure sustainable growth of the sector, it is essential that Morocco continues and deepens its efforts: ongoing investments and innovation in the tourism offer. However, the major urgent challenge remains controlling the outrageous costs for visitors. The government’s silence on this issue risks hurting the sector badly. The summer sunshine is too expensive. It is time for the entire industry to stop acting like predators, and for scams and extortion to be forever banned quickly. Another key challenge is integrating sustainable development policies to preserve natural and cultural resources within the broader framework of inclusive development across all regions of the country. It is also imperative to include citizen awareness and education in this vision. Polluted or neglected beaches and sites, annoying incivility, and inappropriate behaviors are additional challenges to be addressed. Tourism must remain one of the major engines of Morocco’s economy, generating jobs and wealth while enhancing the country’s international standing. Still, we shall wait until the end of the campaign to make a final judgment, especially on the trajectory of the numbers and the effectiveness of measures announced in the sector’s development strategy, and above all to draw the necessary lessons.

Morocco-Nigeria: From Coldness to a Continental Strategic Partnership... 12886

Aziz Daouda, 4 mon.
I am currently in Abeokuta, Nigeria, for the organization of the African Athletics Championships for U18 and U20. It is only natural to reflect on the relations between Morocco and Nigeria, which have seen a remarkable evolution, moving from a period of distance and caution to a major strategic partnership for Africa. An eloquent indicator: the national airline now operates two daily flights to Lagos. From the 1960s to the 1980s, relations between Morocco and Nigeria remained formal but distant, due to deep ideological differences. Nigeria, an Anglophone heavyweight and close to the Non-Aligned Movement—a non-alignment that in reality meant alignment with the Eastern European models of the time. Morocco, on the other hand, closer to the West, adopted a cautious diplomacy in line with its longstanding position and its principles of non-interference and respect for peoples and their choices. The distancing between the two countries became more pronounced, especially after the Kingdom’s withdrawal from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1984, in reaction to the admission of the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) to this organization. The issue of the so-called Western Sahara was a major point of friction, with Nigeria supporting the SADR, which hindered any significant rapprochement. Thus, relations during the 1980s and 1990s remained lukewarm, limited to basic diplomatic exchanges. The return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, with the election of Olusegun Obasanjo, and Morocco’s growing influence on the African stage marked a turning point. The two countries began a discreet but concrete diplomatic rapprochement. Several areas were explored to strengthen cooperation: energy, with discussions on gas cooperation; trade, with modest but growing exchanges; agriculture, aiming to meet the growing needs of the Nigerian population; and the religious dimension, notably through Sufism and the moderate religious education promoted by Morocco. The real turning point came in December 2016, during the historic visit of King Mohammed VI to Abuja. This visit marked a break in bilateral relations, with the signing of numerous cooperation agreements in the agricultural, banking, industrial, religious, and energy sectors. One recalls here the fraternal embraces and warm words that marked the meetings between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Buhari. The flagship project in this dynamic is the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), announced in 2016. This ambitious project, over 5,600 km long and crossing 13 West African countries, aims to transport Nigerian gas to Morocco, and potentially to Europe. Its objectives are multiple: to ensure energy security, promote regional integration, and strengthen geopolitical stability. Between 2022 and 2023, several financing and technical study agreements were signed with ECOWAS, OPEC, and European partners. At the same time, cooperation has diversified: Moroccan banks have invested in Nigeria, while the partnership between the OCP (Office Chérifien des Phosphates) and the Dangote Group has strengthened fertilizer production in Nigeria. On the religious front, Morocco welcomes Nigerian imams to its training centers, thus consolidating cultural and religious ties. Since the election of President Bola Tinubu in 2023, active cooperation with Morocco seems to be continuing. The NMGP pipeline project is progressing with the support of key players such as the European Union and the Islamic Development Bank, despite a complicated global context marked by the war in Ukraine and regional instability. The issue of Western Sahara remains a moderate dividing line: Nigeria has not withdrawn its recognition of the SADR, but has not made any hostile statements towards Rabat for several years, indicating a certain diplomatic appeasement. The Morocco-Nigeria partnership is part of a complex geostrategic dynamic, notably in competition and complementarity with Algeria. The Morocco-Nigeria project is sometimes seen as a counterweight to the Trans-Saharan Algeria-Nigeria pipeline, which remains at the project stage, unlike the Moroccan project, which is advancing rapidly and according to the set schedule. At the regional level, this alliance could reshape North-South axes of African cooperation, linking West Africa to the Maghreb, thus moving beyond the traditional Francophone/Anglophone divide. Morocco’s application to join ECOWAS, although currently suspended, illustrates this desire for deeper economic integration with Abuja as a key partner. Relations between Morocco and Nigeria have evolved from diplomatic coldness to a structuring strategic alliance for the African continent. The gas pipeline project, banking establishment, agricultural and religious cooperation, as well as geoeconomic convergences, make this partnership a major pillar of Africa’s Global South. The next decade will be decisive in measuring the ability of these two countries to transform their cooperation into a driver of continental integration. This clear overview and chronology of the evolution of Morocco-Nigeria bilateral relations highlights the political, economic, and geostrategic stakes underlying them. Can we conclude without paying heartfelt tribute and praying for the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London at the age of 82 after a long illness? It was during his presidency that relations between the two countries developed and moved from a latent conflictual routine to a win-win cooperation. May he rest in peace.

Kingdom of Morocco: 2030 Foundation, the New Momentum for Major Sporting Events 12767

Aziz Daouda, 4 mon.
- Politics - Business - Sports -
2.4 min read.
The Moroccan Government Council recently formalized the creation of the **2030 Foundation**, an innovative strategic entity tasked with leading the preparation, organization, and successful hosting of major international sporting events that the Kingdom will welcome in the coming years. This initiative aligns with an ambitious vision driven by royal directives and the instructions given at the Council of Ministers on December 4, 2024, aiming to establish Morocco as a global benchmark for hosting major sporting events. The **2030 Foundation** is not merely an organizing committee; it is designed as a true lever for economic, social, and infrastructural transformation. Its mission encompasses the comprehensive management of flagship events such as the **2025 Africa Cup of Nations**, which will serve as a full-scale rehearsal, and the **2030 FIFA World Cup**, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. Through this new entity, Morocco intends not only to guarantee the technical and logistical success of these competitions but also to maximize their positive impact across the entire national territory. To achieve this, the Foundation’s mission rests on **six strategic pillars**: 1. **Optimal planning and coordination:** The Foundation will ensure rigorous and detailed planning covering all phases from preparation to event closure. It will effectively mobilize public and private stakeholders to respect timelines and international standards, with global logistical management—including delegation reception, security, communication, and media—at its core. 2. **Acceleration of infrastructure projects:** Hosting these sporting events is a powerful driver for infrastructure development. The Foundation will oversee the completion and modernization of stadiums, training centers, and related facilities according to FIFA and CAF requirements. It will also lead the development of airports, the expansion of the high-speed rail network, and improvement of roadways to facilitate mobility for spectators and teams. Renovation and construction of hotels, as well as enhancement of tourism services and urban infrastructure in host cities, are integral to this large-scale effort. 3. **Transparent, rigorous project management:** The Foundation commits to exemplary management with strict monitoring of budgets, deadlines, and specifications. It will implement control and evaluation tools to guarantee the effectiveness of actions undertaken, ensuring Morocco fully honors its international commitments and strengthens its global credibility and image. 4. **Administrative coordination and international dialogue:** Acting as the sole interlocutor with international bodies such as FIFA and CAF, the Foundation will centralize decisions and harmonize Morocco’s positions. This centralization will facilitate exchanges, accelerate negotiations, and swiftly resolve potential issues, ensuring essential administrative and diplomatic fluidity for event success. 5. **Promotion of a positive and sustainable image of Morocco:** Beyond technical aspects, the Foundation will play a key role in long-term strategic planning, integrating economic, social, and environmental benefits. It will highlight Morocco’s cultural, tourist, and economic assets and deploy proactive communication to attract investors, media, and visitors, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s international appeal. 6. **Enhanced support for host regions and provinces:** Aware of the importance of balanced territorial development, the Foundation will provide technical and financial support to organizing regions and provinces. It will ensure local human resource training and mobilization while developing public and private services (transport, security, health, accommodation) to offer an optimal visitor experience. This approach guarantees that event benefits extend throughout Morocco, helping reduce regional disparities. The **2030 Foundation** embodies a dynamic of sustainable and inclusive development, aiming to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, strengthen modern infrastructure, and improve social cohesion and Morocco’s cultural influence. These sporting events become catalysts to accelerate the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation. Underlying this vision is the goal to depoliticize the action to ensure guaranteed success. The Foundation transcends time, competition, and political calculation. One major challenge is to shield these mega sports projects from political uncertainties and administrative delays. By ensuring centralized, rigorous, and multidisciplinary management, it guarantees optimal project efficiency and safeguards against bureaucratic stagnation. The **2030 Foundation** is thus the cornerstone of an ambitious national strategy that promises not only the exemplary success of CAN 2025 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup but also the emergence of a new dynamic of harmonious and sustainable development for Morocco. This innovation reflects the Kingdom’s determination to combine sporting excellence with socio-economic progress. It embodies a modern, proactive vision capable of transforming international sporting events into genuine levers of long-term growth and influence. Morocco will position itself as a key player on the global sports stage, ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges with ambition and responsibility.

Morocco, an Indispensable Pivot of the New American Strategy in Africa and the Atlantic... 12684

Aziz Daouda, 4 mon.
In a mini-summit, the first of its kind, President Trump hosted five West African heads of state, marking a new geopolitical dynamic in the region. The USA is now adopting a pragmatic and transactional approach focused on economic partnerships, security, and the development of strategic resources. Underlying this is, of course, the aim to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. This new orientation is reflected in the targeted selection of African partners. Washington favors countries perceived as open to investment and rich in critical resources, possibly at the expense of some regional heavyweights like Nigeria. The emphasis is on trade and investment agreements replacing the traditional official development aid, which has been abandoned in favor of bilateral deals centered on commerce, access to strategic minerals such as manganese, uranium, oil, cobalt, and securing supply chains. One of the pillars of this new approach is strengthening security, which the region greatly needs. Discussions focused on combating terrorism, regulating migration flows, and military cooperation, with the intention to rely on trustworthy partners to project American power. Let us set aside the behavior of the participants and the awkwardness that chilled the atmosphere. Ultimately, everyone was simply in their place according to their true standing. One by one, before the president, each head of state introduced themselves in a kind of “name, first name, profession.” It is unfortunate that Mauritania, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal separately expressed their economic, security, and political priorities. - Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the strongman of Gabon, emphasized the need for increased support for local processing of mineral resources, mentioning his decision to ban the export of raw manganese by 2029 to promote value addition locally, following the Botswana model. He expressed openness to industrial partnerships to develop refining and local production capacities. - Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau highlighted the strategic importance of his country’s port and its rich bauxite deposits, requesting support to modernize port and logistics infrastructure, a key condition for attracting investment and regional economic integration. - Joseph Boakai of Liberia, speaking in perfect English according to Trump, called for a more favorable framework for American investments, especially regarding legal security and anti-corruption efforts. He also requested enhanced cooperation in combating drug trafficking and regulating migration flows, key factors for regional stability. - Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, president of Mauritania, seeks to develop manganese and uranium resources, calling for agreements to build local industrial sectors. He also proposed strengthened partnership in maritime security to fight piracy and illicit trafficking in the Atlantic. - Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal raised the issue of his country’s hidden debt and sought support from international financial institutions like the IMF, as well as enhanced economic and trade cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and information technology sectors. All want to establish sustainable partnerships with the USA focused on local resource processing, infrastructure modernization, security, and economic governance. Were they warning that without American investments, other powers would take their place? Although Morocco was not invited to this mini-summit, it occupies a central place in the new African and Atlantic geopolitical architecture thanks to several levers, notably the modernization of the Morocco–United States free trade agreement. Rabat seeks to expand this agreement to include emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense industry, clean energy, and green hydrogen, beyond traditional textile and agricultural exports. The United States, wishing to secure certain supplies to reduce dependence on China, finds Morocco a good partner in strategic minerals with its phosphate and cobalt reserves, essential resources for the global energy transition. Morocco is also a major security partner. It hosts the African Lion exercises and is modernizing its armed forces with advanced American equipment, including HIMARS, drones, and missiles. It is also negotiating the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets. In energy, Morocco aims to become a key supplier of green hydrogen for Europe and the United States, with projects integrating into future transatlantic energy supply chains. In the context of the new American policy, Morocco can hope to better benefit from the situation, primarily through reaffirmed American support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Southern provinces, which strengthens its position. The Polisario is thus more isolated and Algeria disoriented. The Kingdom has also established itself as a regional hub thanks to its Atlantic anchorage, infrastructure, projects such as the port of Dakhla, the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, and its political stability. It presents itself as the ideal gateway for American and European companies seeking access to the African market. This is a major asset for increased investment attractiveness. The geopolitical rivalry favors an influx of capital and structuring projects, especially in renewable energy, technology, and defense industries. Add to this Morocco’s African diplomatic leadership. Building on its diplomatic and economic successes, Morocco consolidates its role as mediator and leader in South-South cooperation and regional integration initiatives. It is the perfect pivot state for the region. The next step is for Mauritania to join the USA and the other four countries and clearly express its position on the Sahara issue. The current geopolitical reshuffle offers unprecedented room to strengthen strategic partnerships, develop resources, ensure security, and promote the prosperity of peoples. However, these opportunities require agile diplomacy and the ability to anticipate rapid changes in alliances and international priorities. Have the Five seized this chance? They all maintain good relations with the Kingdom.

"Onions are good for you" said the onion peddler 7272

Sheikh Flakho, 6 mon.
(this is a follow up to my previous article "the thief of cope") Onions are great. Very versatile, easy to grow, and delicious. I like eating onions. But sometimes, I need to cook for guests that can't stand them. I might try to sneak the onions in a sauce or call the guests out on their fraudulent taste-buds. What I never do though, is try to convince them to eat my onions because they are good for their health. It's an easy trick. Appeal to authority. But whose exactly? Who is telling people that onions are good for them? Scientists? But who is paying the scientists to say that? It doesn't take much head scratching to figure out the obvious : it's the onion peddler. The field of technology is full of onion peddlers, especially those selling “the next big thing”. It doesn’t take that much nooticing to point out that the people making the most egregious predictions about the future are the ones selling the technologies of the future. Often, they are supported by the ones that can bill you to integrate it. It's easy to forget, but these onion peddlers are just selling you their very fancy onions. With classic technologies, the worst that could happen was wasting money on tech that brought little value to a business. From outside, it looked like big companies passing around their money to other big companies. They bought onions because everyone had them in their kitchen. Whether the promised benefits followed was not of much importance. The more money was wasted, the more buzzwords a CEO could cram into his TedTalk. But AI is different. It's not just about a few companies selling their bots to everyone. It's not about a CTO collecting Saas bills like pokemon gym badges to increase his tech-cred. It's not about tricking a bunch of silicon-valley investors to buy a couple of sport cars then closing down the shop. You may have heard the expression "nothing ever happens"? well this time something is actually happening: a massive devaluing of the economic worth of humans. If you thought that class struggle was a thing of the past, AI will make you look back fondly on slavery. Slaves were needed by their masters; the project of AI is precisely to make you unneeded. Someone watched that Elysium movie and thought we should shoot for that. No more upward mobility through education; there are no jobs to move upward to anymore. Or maybe no more education period. Why train you when we can just train AI instead? The trained AI doesn’t need to be better than you, it just needs to ape you. Your career prospects are already dead, you just don't know it yet. You may be tempted to rationalize why the economic machine still needs you. Fatal mistake. Rationality is a tool that the onion peddler takes out of the shed when it's time to cut down on expenses. The ones who own the economic machine, the ones who steer it, they are not rational. They are emotional, they are class-aware, they have an agenda, and they remember. They hate costs, but they don't hate them equally. You, the human, you're the worst kind of cost. All of these years that the proletariat has been bullying the bourgeois-god-kings with labor laws and fair wage demands... well, it's time for revenge. We like to think of businesses as systemic entities that follow the rules of a game described in an economics' textbook. But who writes those textbooks? Surprise, it's the onion subsidized friends of the onion peddler. So textbooks will tell you that businesses do everything in their power to maximize profit, but what they won't tell you is that they only maximize profit as far as they can control you. When you think of yourself as essential for the operations of a company, that's control you are taking from them. When you try to unionize, that's control you are taking from them. Remember, control trumps short term profit. Sure, AI might result in a degradation of the quality of the goods and services at first, but that's a price they are willing to pay to get rid of you. Because as a human, you wish for a better tomorrow. Somehow nowadays, that's too greedy. The utopia of the rich is a world without the poor. Literally. It's a hard pill to swallow, but sugar-coating requires sugar, and the sugar peddler happens to be friends with the onion peddler. Next, we'll discuss why AI cannot innovate, and why MBA suits can’t understand that.

It not tariffs it's a cost on trade deficit. 7268

Tariq Daouda, 6 mon.
Trump tariffs are not traditional tariffs, because they are indexed on the US trade deficit. Historical, tariffs have usually been either as a way to protect internal markets, get revenue for the government by indirectly taxing the population or both. They have also been used as punitive measures. A tariff is both a tax on outside goods, and a subsidy to the internal market. As such they are either seen as distorting the market, or a way to put a price on not been able to produce something internally. However, this new form of tariffs tell a different story, they are blanket tariffs based on the general trade deficit that the US has with different countries. Which means they go up and down with the trade deficit, that alone makes them function differently. How they will impact the global market remains to be seen. From a strictly optimization (the mathematical discipline) perspective, the most likely outcome, after a period of instability, is a general lowering of US trade deficit, mirrored by a lowering of reciprocal tariffs leading to an increase in trade and GDP. This of course does not take into account specific geopolitical sensitivities and the complexity of the potential readjusting in regulations, fiscal policies and otherwise that countries may have to do lower their trade deficit with us.

Informal Economy in Morocco: Wealth-Creating Liberalism and a Social Pillar 7252

Aziz Daouda, 6 mon.
- Politics - Society - Business -
2.5 min read.
The World Bank’s regional report, published in April 2025, presents the informal economy in Morocco as a major obstacle to economic development, highlighting that 83% of businesses operate outside the legal framework. According to this institution, this situation limits growth, productivity, and the formalization of the private sector. This viewpoint, which likely conflates informal economic activity with economic fraud, while supported by data on sluggish growth and structural challenges, deserves a more nuanced critique. It should shed light on the positive and dynamic aspects of the informal economy—as an expression of wealth-creating liberalism, a social safety valve, a job creator, and a factor of political stability. The narrative advanced by the World Bank on this matter should be approached with caution. Recognizing the economic significance of the informal sector would allow for a more intelligent reassessment of growth metrics, making them more realistic and grounded. For example, Morocco’s growth rate would likely be much higher than officially reported. Contrary to the portrayal of the informal economy as a burden, it plays a crucial role in job creation and income generation, especially for a large segment of the population. Estimates suggest the informal sector accounts for between 60% and 70% of total employment in Morocco and contributes 40% to 60% of GDP, with a strong concentration in micro-services and micro-commerce, which make up 91% of informal jobs. This dynamic reflects a form of spontaneous economic liberalism, where individual actors—often sole artisans or small traders—engage in entrepreneurial activities without waiting for state intervention or regulation. Thus, the informal economy is a concrete manifestation of economic liberalism in the Adam Smithian sense, where the “invisible hand” organizes exchanges and harmonizes individual and collective interests, thereby contributing to overall wealth. It enables millions of Moroccans to survive, escape unemployment, and participate in economic life, representing a grassroots wealth-creating liberalism rather than a flaw. The informal economy also functions as an essential social safety valve. In the absence of strong social protections such as unemployment insurance or social welfare—which are only beginning to be implemented—it provides a safety net for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and poor urban areas. This social function contributes to political stability by preventing frustrations linked to unemployment and poverty from escalating into major social tensions. Has the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) not emphasized that the informal sector supplies goods and services tailored to the purchasing power of modest-income classes, thereby avoiding deeper economic exclusion? This social regulation through informality is a factor of cohesion and resilience in the face of economic crises—a fact made evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The informal economy also offers a flexibility that the formal sector cannot always guarantee. Formal enterprises sourcing from informal suppliers benefit from lower production costs, greater flexibility in volumes and deadlines, and can thus improve their competitiveness, including in export markets. This interplay between formal and informal sectors creates an economic ecosystem where economic liberalism fully expresses itself through freedom of initiative and the pursuit of efficiency. The dominant criticism linking informality to low productivity and unfair competition overlooks that the informal sector often reflects a pragmatic, intelligent, and innovative adaptation to heavy institutional and regulatory constraints. This is human ingenuity driven by survival instincts. Simplifying procedures, reducing tax burdens, and improving the institutional environment can encourage formalization, but it must also be acknowledged that informality is a creative and liberal response to existing obstacles. Morocco’s informal economy should not be viewed as a developmental hindrance but as a living expression of wealth-creating economic liberalism, a job engine, and an essential social safety valve. It contributes to political stability by offering economic opportunities to marginalized populations and fostering social cohesion. Confronting this economy with restrictive measures—while it creates wealth—instead of adopting flexible policies that adapt to real needs and constraints, risks stifling initiative and fueling social unrest. Rather than seeking to eliminate it, public policies would benefit from recognizing its role and supporting its gradual integration into the formal fiscal economy, while preserving its capacity for innovation and adaptation. In doing so, the informal sector could become a true lever for inclusive and sustainable development in Morocco. The World Bank and others—whether government officials or representatives of the so-called formal economy—are largely mistaken in condemning this creative economic sector without appreciating its real contributions to the population. The Moroccan government, and likely those of similarly situated countries, should disregard ill-informed or detached opinions. Instead, they should support this economy with accompaniment and tolerance, guided by a vision of progressive inclusion and integration into the formal economic fabric.

Between Deals and Geopolitics: Trump Snubs Israel and Bets on the Gulf Monarchies 7149

Aziz Daouda, 6 mon.
On May 13, 2025, Donald Trump began the first major international tour of his second term. Instead of stopping in Jerusalem, a symbol of the strong alliance between the United States and Israel, the president chose to visit only the three Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Israel, a neighboring and long-standing partner, was not included. This decision represents a significant change in American diplomacy and could reshape regional dynamics. It raises the question: is this simply an economic strategy or a deeper geopolitical shift? In Riyadh, the focus was clearly on business. Saudi Arabia announced an unprecedented investment of $600 billion in the American economy, with plans to increase it to $1 trillion over four years. The sectors involved include defense, energy, technology, infrastructure, and especially weaponry, which may cause discomfort for Israel. The U.S. military orders amount to $142 billion, reflecting the priority to secure America’s economic future through strong partnerships with the Gulf monarchies, which aim to be seen as more than just oil producers. Saudi Arabia is a major global economic player and even influenced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria. In Doha, Qatar signed historic agreements worth nearly $1.2 trillion, including the sale of Boeing planes and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways. Qatar also gifted Trump a plane valued at nearly half a billion dollars. The United Arab Emirates committed to investing $1.4 trillion over ten years in the American economy, focusing on artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. At each stop, investment forums brought together leading figures from Silicon Valley and Wall Street, demonstrating the intention to strengthen economic ties with the Gulf. Trump presented tangible results, reinforcing his image as a dealmaker and promising long-term prosperity for the United States. He secured jobs and prosperity by renegotiating tariffs and ensuring that capital would first benefit the U.S. economy. But why was Israel excluded from this tour? The regional situation offers some explanation: the war in Gaza continues, the humanitarian crisis worsens, and talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel are stalled. A visit to Jerusalem could have been seen as provocative and might have endangered the important economic agreements. Additionally, Trump’s proposal to transform Gaza into a "Riviera of the Middle East" was not well received by Arab-Muslim countries. The focus remained on regional stability and economic cooperation, avoiding symbolic issues. Trump’s approach is cautious and pragmatic, consistent with his "America First" policy. This decision does not reflect a punishment of Netanyahu, despite tensions between the two leaders, but signals a shift in the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem. Whereas Israel was a priority in Trump’s first term, the approach is now more nuanced and pragmatic. Israel is costly for the U.S., and Trump seeks financial support for a heavily indebted country. There are many strategic differences with Israel on issues such as Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and normalization with Riyadh. However, Trump still faces a firm Netanyahu, whose hardline stance complicates American goals. Supporting Israel without reservation risks losing economic opportunities with the Gulf monarchies. By focusing on these countries, Trump signals that American diplomacy now prioritizes economic interests and new regional balances, even if it means temporarily distancing from a historic ally. This message also reaches Israeli voters and the international community: automatic loyalties are replaced by realpolitik, where partnerships are judged by their concrete benefits. This change breaks with decades of American diplomacy, where Israel was always central during presidential visits. The White House now favors tangible outcomes and alliances that benefit the U.S. economy and the president’s international standing. The vice president also strengthens his position for the upcoming election. The Republican Party welcomes this. In summary, Israel’s absence from the Middle East tour can be explained by the priority given to economic matters, caution in a volatile context, and a desire to redefine strategic balances in favor of the U.S. This decision may redraw alliances in the Middle East, marking an era where American diplomacy is guided by economic returns and regional stability, even if it disrupts traditions and surprises allies. Israel remains an essential partner but cannot match the scale of opportunities offered by the Gulf. For Trump, the priority is clear: "America First," including in redefining Middle Eastern alliances. If this strategy succeeds economically, it could have lasting effects on regional dynamics and Israel’s role in American diplomacy. Israeli society must acknowledge this new reality, and opposition parties might use this moment to counter extremists dominating politics. Israel’s future depends on regional peace, which also requires the Palestinian people’s right to live in peace. This will be the next challenge. The Gulf monarchies invest to support the U.S. but also become more demanding on this issue. The Middle East, birthplace of religions and much of human civilization, long a stage for ideological rivalries, is becoming the ground for a new American realpolitik. Donald Trump, true to his style, favors deals and results, even if it means breaking conventions. Israel’s exclusion is not an oversight but a sign of strategic repositioning that could reshape the future of the region and the world.

Morocco’s Southern Provinces Witness Unprecedented Investment Boom 6936

Aziz Daouda, 6 mon.
For several years now, Morocco’s Southern Provinces have been experiencing an exceptional surge in investment activity. Numerous countries and major international corporations are drawn to the region’s vast potential, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, and industry. This momentum aligns with the Kingdom’s strategic vision to transform these territories into hubs of innovation and sustainable development, while strengthening their economic integration nationally and continentally. Notably, the Atlantic port of Dakhla is designed to open up the Sahel countries, fostering broader regional economic integration. Contrary to allegations from Algiers, these regions enjoy a climate of peace and security conducive to both living and investing. The exponential development observed stems from an ambitious strategy backed by massive state funding as a driving force, alongside contributions from international partners. Since the launch of the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces by His Majesty the King in 2015, over €8.3 billion has been invested across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, industry, tourism, and social services. The Southern Provinces have become a major center for renewable energy production, especially wind and solar power. By 2024, installed capacity reached 1.3 GW, representing a cumulative investment of around €2 billion and accounting for 21% of the nation’s clean energy output. Landmark projects such as Noor Laâyoune and Noor Boujdour, each with a 100 MW capacity, exemplify this focus. An additional €2 billion is planned to boost future capacity to 1.6 GW. Innovation is also evident in the emergence of green hydrogen, with pilot projects launched in 2024 across Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab regions. The provinces boast significant mineral resources, especially phosphates. The Office Chérifien des Phosphates has invested 7.18 billion dirhams in a new fertilizer complex in Laâyoune and 5.26 billion dirhams in a phosphate port. The mining sector plays a crucial role in job creation and economic diversification. Fishing is another key economic driver, accounting for nearly 39% of local activity. Investment priorities include processing industries, aquaculture development, and seafood product valorization, supported by modern ports and highway networks that facilitate exports. High-value agriculture adapted to arid conditions benefits from investments in irrigation, desalination, and farm modernization. The sector has also expanded through the creation of industrial zones dedicated to processing and storage. Major infrastructure projects, such as the 1,055 km Tiznit-Dakhla expressway completed in record time and the nearly €1 billion Dakhla Atlantic port, strengthen the Southern Provinces’ integration into national and African markets. This positions the region as a logistical hub connecting sub-Saharan Africa and serving as a gateway to the Americas and Europe. Dakhla is poised to assume the commercial role once held by Essaouira, historically known as the “Port of Timbuktu.” His Majesty the King’s vision has been embraced pragmatically by Sahel countries following recent regime changes. Coastal, ecological, and niche tourism is growing exponentially, with investments in hotels, resorts, and eco-tourism circuits. Local crafts benefit from enhancement programs, adding to the region’s tourist appeal. Social sectors are also receiving significant investment. The Laâyoune University Hospital Center (CHU), for example, mobilized €110 million. Education and vocational training have expanded to support demographic and economic growth, with numerous faculties now serving local youth. Banking, insurance, and telecommunications services are evolving in tandem with other sectors. Local authorities, fully aligned with this vision, are multiplying public-private partnerships to accelerate project implementation and pool resources. These initiatives foster job creation, improve living standards, and empower local populations, while reinforcing regional stability and attractiveness. Illustrating this momentum, the French Development Agency (AFD) recently announced a €150 million investment to support structural projects and regional development, reflecting the strengthened Morocco-France partnership. This development and integration drive has provoked strong opposition from Algeria and the separatist group it sponsors. The Polisario Front, increasingly desperate, has escalated provocations, including blocking MINURSO logistical convoys and issuing terrorist threats against foreign investors in a bid to disrupt regional development and internationalize the conflict. Algeria, stuck in an outdated stance, harbors deep hostility toward Morocco’s advanced autonomy model, viewing it as a direct threat to its regional ambitions and support for the Polisario. Algiers condemns Moroccan projects in the Southern Provinces as colonial and illegitimate, attempting unsuccessfully to isolate Morocco diplomatically. In reality, Morocco’s only remaining support appears to be from parts of Africa-and even there, voices within the African National Congress (ANC) are urging a policy shift toward Morocco, now a major diplomatic player. Despite these maneuvers, Morocco remains steadfast in its sustainable and inclusive development strategy, consolidating sovereignty and regional leadership. Its partners include Europe, the USA, China, France, Spain, Russia, and many others. Through innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, Morocco is transforming its Southern Provinces into engines of growth benefiting both the nation and the entire African continent-a true model of integrated and resilient development.

The thief of cope 7250

Sheikh Flakho, 6 mon.
Do people enjoy zero-sum games? I think they very much do. Most deny it because it beckons to more primitive days where life was the ultimate battle-royal: Grog beat enemy, Grog take everything. There's plenty of illustration of this more primitive state in fiction. If you've watched the Walking Dead, you may have noticed how that characters very quickly regress from their civilized selves to pro zero-sum gamers. Even though there's a whole planet to loot, the imminent scarcity they are faced with makes factions go to war against each other. In a post apocalyptic world, there's no place for collaborative value creation. But we don't need the apocalypse to reveal our natural proclivity towards zero-sum games. Talk to a historian and you will know that empires have always seen the world as a big zero-sum game, even when a whole continent had yet to be discovered. Talk to a marxist and he'll show you that the bourgeoisie is much more adept at playing the game than the proletariat. Talk to an economist however, and he'll throw sand into your eyes to distract you from an uncomfortable truth : "Trust me bro, we just need to make the cake bigger". Just make the cake the bigger... as if somehow, starting the renaissance, we magically figured out an economic system that allows us to grow economies like no other before. In tech-bro speak, it was all just "skill issue". But then, you remember the exponential leaps in technological progress and the new forms of energy harnessed. You point this out, and the economist scrambles with an indian accent "let me tell you something, let me me tell you something, it was the new economic paradigm and its countless jewish monetary tricks". Sound silly right ? That's what everyone believes nowadays. After all, isn't everybody trying to get rich ? Everyone dreams of a Bugatti, just in case they are suddenly asked to prove that they are not brokies. But how many can harness the sociopathic behavior that's necessary to grow your business? I'd argue that those are the minority. Or maybe I am being naive. Just like we are fast to revert to zero-sum thinking, we are also fast in discarding empathy for others when money starts flowing. The fact remains though, being rich is not about creating the most value, it's about maximizing your side of the zero-sum equation. Put yourself in the shoes of the capital holder. Every cent he gives you for your work is a missing one from his big scrooge mcduck like pile of pennies. The capitalist's essence is to make his side of the equation go as far away from 0 as he can possibly get away with. He only gives away when he is promised a bigger return, or when he wants to avoid a bigger loss. These are the rules of the game. Rules the masses have such a hard time coping with, Sociology was invented to study its effect on their confused plebeian brains. Among the sea of copes, one held some truth for a couple of decades. Let us refer to this idea as the "meritocratic cope", which goes something like this : Even if you don't physically own the means of production, you can have a cozy life if you can develop some skills that require an above average-intellect. How much above average depends on too many factors to cite. But over time, the overall trend has been that the more advanced technology got, the farther away from the middle of the bell curve you needed to be. For those with lesser intellects but loads of money, you could also coast through life with a series of bullshit jobs. You just need a pay-to-win diploma from a fancy school made by the rich for their less genetically fortunate off-springs. Both paths are not equal. The former genocides your hair follicles, nukes your skin, empties your eyes and gives you a vague air of "this guy has been through some shit". The latter is rife with opportunities to enjoy life, expand your horizons with equally narrow minded peers, and you end up walking out feeling competent to tard-wrangle the unorganized entropy of the labour force into higher quarterly earnings. You're not just an idea guy, you're a visionary. You don't know how to do anything yourself, but it's okay. You are a visionary. But this is coming to an end. I'm not quite sure about the second path, but I can quite confidently assert that it's over for the former. The culprit? Artificial intelligence. If you were wondering where this rigmarole was leading to, it was all necessary exposition to understand where all the hate I have towards AI is coming from. In my next article, we will examine why the latest AI progress is the ultimate "checkmate, atheist" move to whomever has hope for a brighter future. No more hope, no more cope, no more peace, just problems.

Trump Tariffs & Retaliations: What could happen to Canada if it Lasts 10240

Tariq Daouda, 8 mon.
Even more inflation and a general depreciation of the Canadian market. If Canada increases tariffs on US imports, Canadian companies will have to borrow more to buy what they need to produce, therefore increasing the money supply and driving Canadian inflation higher. The vast majority of the borrowing will be directed to buying supplies not increasing salaries. Tariffs on Canadian products in the US will likely lower the demand for them. Which means Canada will have a surplus of products that they might not be able to sell. The US is after all the number one market for Canadian products and for some companies the only one. This in terms will lead to a lowering of production which coupled with increased borrowing will likely increase inflation even higher. So why not sell in Canada? Canada has a very high GDP / Capita but the size of it's market is not comparable to the US. Canada has also accumulated a high number of regulations that prevent economic growth and turn one of Canada's biggest advantage (its size) into one of it's biggest disadvantages. Canada is the second biggest country on earth, a fact that comes with a unique set of economic challenges, chief amongst them is the transport of goods. Canadian economy mostly relies on trucks to ship good from *A Mare Usque Ad Mare*. Canadian trucks are subjected to different laws in different Provinces. Some cannot event drive at night. In the second biggest country on earth it means a huge increase in shipping time and therefore cost needed to ship goods. Canadian energy costs are high, due to carbon taxes and various laws and regulations that prevent the growth of its oil industry. Canadian provinces also have specific taxation laws that effectively act as tariffs within the country, driving the competitiveness of the inner Canadian market lower. Canada taxes on employment and consumption are also general higher, driving cost of labor and therefore the cost of everything higher. All this means that until now, it was cheaper to sell to the US than within Canada. For some, it was even cheaper to drive to the border and send a package with USPS than to send from Canada using Post Canada. Why not Europe then? Europe is far, which means higher logistical and shipping costs. Europe is also extremely regulated, which means that Canadian companies would have to undergo massive restructurations to make their products fit the European market from a regulatory perspective. Canadian market is so intertwined with the US market that a lot of what it produces is in inches and feet. Not what Europeans are looking for. Europe is also suffering from a serious inflation meaning that their capacity to buy Canadian surplus is not that high. Europe is not an homogeneous market. Selling in Europe means dealing with many languages and tax regulations like VAT that are specific to each country. This drives the cost of compliance even higher. In short, If the tariffs war lasts, Canadian economy will produce surplus that it will not be able to sell, leading to a downsizing of the economy, and Canadian companies will have to increase their borrowing to maintain production. These will lead to higher inflation in Canada that will be accelerated by existing consumption taxes. This in turn will lead to an increase in salaries, therefore of borrowing and an acceleration of inflation due to existing labor taxes, which will lead to an increase of unemployment. This is the road to a Canadian recession that could lead to a massive defaulting on debt in Canada (especially in the housing market) and a general divestment from the Canadian economy. The only viable option for Canada to soften the blow is to increase the competitiveness of its inner market: lower taxes and lower government spending (to reduce inflation), remove regulations (starting with the ones hindering inter-provincial economy), lower energy costs. Edit: Canada just cut interest rates to 2.75% increasing money supply (link bellow).
financialpost.com/news/economy/b...

Meat prices: the upward spiral is stopped dead in its tracks... 9818

Aziz Daouda, 9 mon.
- Politics - Society - Business -
3.5 min read.
If there's one issue that has been preoccupying the public for a long time, and which has unfortunately been prolonged, it's the cost of living. It is perceived as unreal by a large fringe of society. In fact, it's not just a feeling, but a bitter reality that the government has been unable to rectify. It has never been easy to curb inflation anywhere in the world, except by means of drastic and unpopular decisions. What is currently happening in Argentina is the perfect illustration of this difficulty. The Moroccan government is not ready to shoulder such responsibility, especially as some of its so-called social decisions have contributed to the current situation. Since the COVID pandemic, inflation has not stopped. There has of course been imported inflation, particularly since the outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, but there has also been domestic inflation, which has been there since certain decisions were taken by PJD governments. The long-term rise in prices has also accelerated as a result of the money distributed by the current government, for reasons that are quite understandable from a human point of view. Citizens no longer know where to turn. The HCP confirms that there has been a slight overall improvement in Morocco, which is to be welcomed, but not for everyone. Gaps are still widening, and precariousness is catching up with a middle class that has been weakened for almost ten years now, one after the other. Against this bitter backdrop, over the past few weeks people have been looking ahead to Ramadan with uncertainty, and have already been talking about Eid, wondering how they are going to make ends meet. They dared to make alarming comments, vociferating recurrently, particularly on social networks and via certain ‘specialist’ websites. Clear demands have been made of the government. Each time, it has timidly tried to respond, without being convincing. Each day that the good Lord has done for a few weeks, not to say months, has only widened the gap, to the point where a crack has been felt in the coalition at the helm. The leader of the Istiqlal party came out clearly on the side of the plaintiffs, taking up the arguments of this important fringe of society. The situation is very special. The impact of 6 successive years of lack of rain on grazing and therefore on livestock is palpable. As a result, in line with economic logic, prices are on an upward trend. At the same time, it should be noted that for some years now, the habits of Moroccans have changed considerably. Improved living standards and certain cultural biases mean that we slaughter more sheep than any other Muslim country, especially when you compare the number of animals sacrificed on this sacred day of Aid with the number of inhabitants. In fact, the 36 million Moroccans that we have been for some time now sacrifice some 6 million animals every year on a single day. That's almost a third of the national sheep herd. Moroccans, who are very attached to tradition, are the people who sacrifice the largest number of sheep on Aid El Kebir. By way of example, our neighbors, who have a population of five million, only sacrifice between 3 and 3.5 million animals. In the Gulf countries and even in Mecca during the pilgrimage, people prefer to spend the equivalent of the amount needed to buy a sheep on charity. The impasse. It was clear that a powerful and far-reaching decision was needed to turn the tide. And it was through a message that His Majesty the King, may God assist him, in his capacity as Commander of the Faithful, came to break the spiral and restore hope to the people. When Si Ahmed Taoufiq, Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, read the royal message calling on the faithful to refrain from performing the rite of sacrifice for Eid, he could never have imagined the scale of the demonstrations of joy that the solemnly pronounced words would provoke. Back home, Moroccans instantly appreciated the invitation and chanted prayers in unison for His Majesty's health. The weight and impact of the Sovereign's words on the occasion were like a balm, healing wounds and reassuring people. In the cafés, some people behaved as they did when our national team scored goals in the World Cup. Chairs jumped up and down, and the joy and emotion were palpable. Moroccans approved and were satisfied and happy. The next day, things had changed. I was particularly surprised that beef was offered at 75 dirhams in Temara on Saturday. The price fell by 40 dirhams in record time. The impact of the royal message shook things up. Tongues have been loosened. Some speculators were exposed, while others reported that some players in the industry were not declaring the exact number of animals in their possession, or were not even declaring any at all. As if by magic, all these fine people came out of the woodwork, some to complain, some to express their discontent. In fact, people whose job is not to rear sheep have no structure to look after them. Generally speaking, all they have are sheds and staff to look after them. Their difficulty now is how to sell the quantity of sheep they trade in. It became clear that the effects of the drought were in fact combined with those of unbridled speculation at the expense of the consumer. The situation today is that meat is in the process of returning to the affordable, even normal, pre-crisis prices it was before the crisis, without imports and without any public aid being distributed for this purpose. In fact, without any intervention from the government, whose previous attempts have failed. Things are unlikely to stop there. The fall in the price of sheep has led to a fall in the price of cattle, and will probably lead to a fall in the price of goats, chicken and fish. The balance of these products in the consumer basket will inevitably rebalance prices to everyone's advantage. The upward spiral has been stopped dead in its tracks. Moroccan citizens have once again had proof, if proof were needed, of the closeness of His Majesty Amir Almoumine and feel perfectly well protected. As I write these words, a song pops into my head: habib aljamahir by Abdelwahab Doukkali.

[Science #1] The Billion-Dollar Question: How Much Is Your Data Worth in the Age of AI? Shapley Value in Data Economics 9629

Tima EL, 9 mon.
In today’s AI-driven world, data is often compared to oil. However, not all data holds the same intrinsic value. While some datasets are critical for the performance of AI models, others contribute little or no enhancement. As organizations pour vast resources into acquiring, processing, and leveraging data, the ability to systematically assess its worth has become a fundamental challenge. **The Need for Intelligent Data Valuation** When companies acquire data, it’s not enough to simply consider its quantity. They must also evaluate its quality, uniqueness, and relevance to the problem at hand. Equally important is understanding the relationships between datasets—whether they complement each other or act as substitutes. This distinction plays a pivotal role in making cost-effective decisions. For example, a bank seeking to improve its fraud detection capabilities might consider purchasing two datasets: *-* **Transaction History (Dataset A): ** Records of past financial transactions, which may reveal patterns indicative of fraud. *- ***User Behavior Data (Dataset B): ** Behavioral analytics, such as login habits and spending behaviors, which can help identify anomalies. If combining both datasets leads to a significant improvement in fraud detection accuracy, they are considered complementary—together, they provide more value than the sum of their individual contributions. However, if one dataset alone offers nearly the same predictive power as the other, the second dataset becomes a substitute, diminishing its marginal value. This distinction is crucial. Companies can waste millions on redundant or low-value data if they fail to evaluate dataset interactions properly. A deeper understanding of these relationships helps ensure that only the most valuable data is acquired, processed, and used to drive AI-driven decision-making. **Assessing the True Economic Worth of Data with Shapley Value** To address this challenge, the **Shapley value**—a concept rooted in cooperative game theory—provides a fair and consistent method to assign value to datasets based on their contributions to the overall performance of an AI model. In this context, the "game" refers to model performance, and the "players" are the datasets used to train it. The Shapley value acts as a metric to evaluate the contribution of each dataset to the model’s performance. **General Concept of the Shapley Value** The Shapley value distributes the total "payoff" (or performance improvement) of a cooperative game (i.e., model accuracy) among the "players" (datasets) according to their marginal contributions. To calculate the Shapley value for a dataset, we consider all possible combinations of datasets and evaluate how much the addition of that particular dataset enhances the model’s performance. Let’s consider an example: Fraud Detection System: Imagine a fraud detection system with three datasets: *-* Transaction history (Dataset A) *-* User behavior data (Dataset B) *-* Geolocation data (Dataset C) To calculate the Shapley value, we would: 1. Evaluate the model’s performance with each dataset, both individually and in combinations 2. Determine the marginal contribution of each dataset by seeing how much it improves the model’s performance when added to the other datasets. 3. Calculate the average contribution of each dataset across all possible combinations. The Shapley value ensures that each dataset is credited according to its true contribution to enhancing the fraud detection system. This methodology evaluates the worth of data not only based on its individual impact but also by considering how it interacts with the other datasets.

EdgeAI: The Strategical future of AI for Low and Middle Income Countries 9367

Tariq Daouda, 12 mon.
Years ago I was urging LMICs like Morocco to get into AI quickly, that was before ChatGPT. Today I am assisting to a great talk by Danilo Pau at SophI.A Summit 2024 explaining why the current trends in AI are insane. ChatGPT is a major historical turning point. With ChatGPT, the general public started seriously caring about AI, driving unprecedented amounts of revenues. It is also the historical turning point towards *very large* LLMs. The post-ChatGPT world is a very different world: state-of-the-art AI has become extraordinary expensive, pricing most countries our of the race because expensive hardware and energy. If the current AI trends continue, powerful AI development will only be possible in a few countries, relegating everyone else to AI consumers. In this context EdgeAI presents an interesting potential solution. EdgeAI is AI on the edge, it means using small components and sensors to do more of the AI heavy lifting. Instead of having a camera only take pictures before sending them to am AI Cloud, part of the AI could be ran into the camera itself by specialized hardware. This means a much lower cost for hardware and energy. It is a type of AI that can be distributed and could be deployed with much lower means. Challenges for EdgeAI are nonetheless many. First of all, there is interest, most of the AI community is focusing on ever bigger models. Then, EdgeAI requires the development of specialized hardware, this hardware will have to be imagined and software will have to be written to ensure compatibility with mainstream AI software. EdgeAI also requires a specific set of skills: __**Old School Skills**__. Today, most computer science students spend most of their time working with scripting languages like Python and Javascript. These are what's called *high level* languages, *high level* means easy, it means the thinking required to interface with the hardware is done for you. The corollary is that the basics of data-structure, algorithmic, machine language and information theory are often lacking; because not practiced and not needed for cloud computing. These are the exact skills needed to make EdgeAI a reality. Here lies a new opportunity in AI: focus on the development of EdgeAI and adapt the curricula to the needs of EdgeAI. Develop solutions that are not only adapted to local markets, but will also be competitive on the global market because they are cheaper more effective and reliable. #SophIA2024
edgeaifoundation.org/

The near future of AI Economics 8230

Tariq Daouda, 12 mon.
The near absolute domination of Nvidia in AI hardware is not going away anytime soon. Despite efforts by major hardware companies and startups alike, supplanting Nvidia is just too costly. Even if a company is able to create better hardware and supply chains, it would still need to tackle the software compatibility challenge. Major AI frameworks like pyTorch and Tensorflow are all compatible with Nvidia, and little else. These are all open source, and although supported by major companies, like all open-source software their foundation is their communities. And communities can be notoriously hard shake. All this suggest that the price of Nvidia GPUs will keep increasing, fuelled by the rise of ever bigger LLMs. So where does that leave us for the future of AI economics. Like anything valuable, if the current trend continues, GPU computation time will see the apparition of derivatives. More specifically, *futures* and *options* on GPU computing hours could be bought and sold. The other coming trends are in energy trading, modern AI is extremely hungry for electricity, to the point of needing dedicated power-plants. If the current trends continue in AI, with major companies and countries building and investing into bigger and more power hungry datacenters, this could lead to a trend of significant disruptions in some parts of the energy sector. Again the markets for energy derivatives (*futures* and *options*) could be significantly affected. Finally, *bounds* markets and inflation are also poised for some disruption, as the building of the extremely expensive facilities necessary for AI is likely to result in more borrowing. When it comes to AI: Nvidia GPUs and Electricity are king. Link Below: google is buying nuclear power.
blog.google/outreach-initiatives...

A formal Definition of Stealing 4892

Tariq Daouda, 1 y.
One of the basic rules of economy is that value is created by exchanging (not by printing money). ---- ==Lets imagine a simple example:== Person A has lots of pens. For them a pen is only worth 1$, a sheet of paper, however is worth 4$. Person B has a lot of paper for them a sheet is only worth 1$, but a pen is a valuable item worth 4$. Person A wants a sheet and Person B wants a pen. They decide to exchange A gives a pen to B and, B gives a sheet of paper to A. At the end of the exchange, both have lost 1$ of value, but got 4$ in return, meaning that they have made 3$ of value each. A total of 6$ of value has been created by the exchange. ---- Now lets look at what happen during theft. When something is stolen, no exchange happenes between the parties, therefor no value has been created. In fact for society as a whole the yield is negative, as the thief had to spend energy (value) to get what he wanted. So although he enriched himself, he also made everybody poorer. We can consider this a definition of stealing: A transfer of goods that results in a negative creation of value. The same is true, to a lesser degree, when one of the parties cheats the other by providing an item that is less valuable than previously thought. Like a pen that does not write.

Can You Become a Millionaire by Working on Venom? Yes! 4631

Anas Bedraoui, 1 y.
- Science - Business -
0.9 min read.
The idea of becoming a millionaire might conjure images of tech startups, real estate investments, or Wall Street. But working with venom can be your ticket to wealth, thanks to its significant medical and commercial potential. ---- Venom, produced by creatures like snakes, spiders, and scorpions, is a complex mixture of proteins and peptides. These toxic cocktails hold incredible potential for medical applications, creating a profitable intersection of nature and science.---- Venom-derived drugs have made significant impacts in medicine. For instance: - Captopril, derived from the Brazilian pit viper's venom, generates over $1 billion annually in revenue. - Prialt, a painkiller from cone snail venom, can cost up to $20,000 per year per patient. ---- The pharmaceutical industry constantly seeks new compounds for effective treatments. Venom-derived substances are particularly appealing, leading to substantial investments in research and development. This can result in lucrative patents and partnerships.---- Venom production and farming are other profitable ventures. Companies like Amsaal Venom Farm LLC specialize in producing and distributing venom for research and antivenom production. High-quality venom can sell for up to $5,000 per gram, depending on the species and purity.---- Owning patents on venom-derived compounds is highly lucrative. Licensing these patents to pharmaceutical companies can yield substantial royalty payments. For example, licensing agreements typically offer 3–5% royalties on net sales. A successful drug generating $500 million annually could provide $15-$25 million in royalties.---- Imagine discovering a new venom-derived compound that becomes a best-selling drug. With an annual revenue of $1 billion and a 3% royalty, you could earn $30 million per year. Alternatively, running a venom farm producing 100 grams of high-quality venom per year could generate $500,000 annually, assuming a $5,000 per gram price.

Artificial Illusion: The Hype of AI - Part 1 5292

Anas Bedraoui, 1 y.
I personally see AI as a hype that will slow down with time. Nowadays, people include AI in their projects to seize opportunities. For example, if you have a failing business, just add the word AI and you might attract investments. If you're doing research, switch to AI or include a part of it, even if it's not necessary, and you may receive funding. AI is becoming a buzzword, and if you believe it's not, you might get frustrated. You might feel unworthy as a human and worry about being replaced by a robot that lacks emotions, creativity, and the incomparable qualities of the legendary creation: humans. As I mentioned in a previous opinion article, "Just use AI in your speech and you'll sound fancy." This trend has permeated many sectors. I’ve had conversations with CEOs of startups that claim to use AI for groundbreaking innovations :). When I asked them simple questions about the models they used, the reasoning behind their choices, and the specific applications, they would talk broadly about AI—just AI, yes AI, and that’s it. It's reminiscent of the old saying, "Fake it till you make it," but with a modern twist: "Artificial Illusion." As Mark Twain once said, "It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled." This seems particularly true in the world of AI hype. The enthusiasm for AI has led to a phenomenon where merely mentioning it can lend credibility and attract resources, even when the actual implementation is minimal or superficial. This trend not only dilutes the genuine potential of AI but also risks disillusioning stakeholders who may eventually see through the facade. True innovation requires substance, not just buzzwords. If Shakespeare were alive today, he might quip, "To AI, or not to AI, that is the question." The answer, of course, is that while AI has its place, it’s not the end-all and be-all. We should remember Albert Einstein's wise words: "Imagination is more important than knowledge." AI lacks the imagination and creativity that humans bring to the table. The real secret to success isn’t in the latest tech jargon, but in honest, hard work and genuine innovation. So next time someone dazzles you with their AI-powered business model, just remember: A little skepticism can go a long way. Or as George Bernard Shaw put it, "Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."

I Spent 7 Days in Singapore... My Life Changed, Here is Why 4920

Anas Bedraoui, 1 y.
- Society - Lifestyle - Business -
3.3 min read.
Spending a week in Singapore was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on my life. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the city's unique blend of modernity and tradition, its vibrant culture, and its cutting-edge innovation. Here are the key moments and discoveries that made my stay transformative. Day 1: A Fusion of Cultures Singapore is a blend of various cultures, and this was immediately evident. Wandering through neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, I immersed myself in diverse traditions, cuisines, and architectures. Each area told a story of the people who have made Singapore their home. In Chinatown, I visited temples and savored street food while chatting with local shopkeepers (mainly in Chinese Mandarin) who shared the history of their businesses. Little India dazzled me with its colorful markets and the aroma of spices, where I learned about Indian festivals and rituals from friendly vendors. Kampong Glam, with its vibrant street art and the majestic Sultan Mosque, offered insights into Malay culture. This cultural immersion made me feel connected to the global community, appreciating the rich traditions that coexist harmoniously in Singapore. Day 2: A Green Oasis in a Concrete Jungle The Gardens by the Bay was a highlight of my trip. The futuristic Supertree Grove and the serene Cloud Forest left me in awe of how Singapore harmonizes nature with urban life. I spent hours exploring the lush landscapes, marveling at the diversity of plant species. A gardener I met shared stories about the meticulous care and effort that goes into maintaining these green spaces, emphasizing Singapore's commitment to sustainability and green living. This encounter inspired me to think more about how I can incorporate eco-friendly practices into my daily routine. Despite the city's strict rules, which made finding a smoking area a bit of a challenge, I appreciated the clean and green environment that these regulations help maintain. Day 3: Innovation and Inspiration Attending the 22nd World Congress of the International Society on Toxinology was the primary reason for my visit. Here, I had the honor of presenting my research and engaging with some of the brightest minds in the field. Conversations with researchers like Pr. Jan Tytgat and Pr. Manjunatha Kini opened my eyes to new possibilities in my work. Their innovative approaches and groundbreaking discoveries reignited my passion for scientific research. The congress was held at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and I was struck by the beauty and modernity of the campus. NUS, with its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant academic atmosphere, stands as a testament to Singapore's commitment to education and research excellence. Day 4: Culinary Adventures and Unexpected Encounters Singapore's food scene is legendary, and I made it a mission to try as many local dishes as possible. From hawker centers to high-end restaurants, each meal was a culinary adventure. Trying dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab expanded my palate and appreciation for the artistry of food. At a late-night food stall in Newton Food Centre, I struck up a conversation with a group of construction workers who shared their experiences and struggles. Their stories of hard work and resilience left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the human side of Singapore's rapid development. Despite the strict laws, the city felt incredibly welcoming and orderly, contributing to its reputation as a clean and safe destination. Day 5: A Glimpse into the Future and a Brush with Reality A visit to the Singapore Science Centre and Fusionopolis showcased the country's commitment to technological advancement. The innovations in AI, biotechnology, and sustainable development were impressive and motivating. Seeing these advancements firsthand made me more enthusiastic about the potential of my own research in AI for drug discovery. Later that night, while exploring Geylang, a less-touristy part of town, I had an unexpected encounter with a group of youths who shared tales of their tough upbringing and the challenges they face. This stark contrast to the city's polished exterior added a layer of depth to my understanding of Singapore, showing that even in a seemingly perfect city, there are stories of struggle and resilience. Day 6: Reflection and Growth On my penultimate day, I took some time for personal reflection at the serene East Coast Park. The peaceful environment provided the perfect backdrop to contemplate my experiences and the new insights I had gained. A local fisherman I met there shared his life philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balance and mindfulness. This interaction made me realize the importance of balancing professional aspirations with personal well-being. The warm, tropical weather, although humid, added to the overall tranquility of the park. As I sat by the sea, watching the ships go by, I felt a profound sense of calm and clarity, understanding the need to find harmony in life. Day 7: Farewell with a New Perspective As my time in Singapore came to an end, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. The city's spirit of innovation, cultural richness, and commitment to sustainability had left an indelible mark on me. I was especially struck by the friendliness and honesty of the people. Everywhere I went, locals were ready to help, whether it was giving directions or sharing their stories. Unlike many other cities, I didn't encounter any scammers or beggars, which added to the sense of safety and trust. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to incorporate the lessons I learned into my everyday life and research. My seven days in Singapore were more than just a trip; they were a series of experiences that changed me. This dynamic city showed me the power of diversity, the importance of innovation, and the value of sustainability. My interactions with people from all walks of life, from researchers to laborers to those on the fringes of society, gave me a more nuanced perspective. My life was changed in ways I never expected, and I am eager to see how these experiences will shape my future.
linkedin.com/in/anas-bedraoui-21...

How Many Scorpions Do You Need To Make $100,000 Annually? 5605

Anas Bedraoui, 2 y.
- Science - Business - Finance -
1.6 min read.
Starting a business in the specialized field of scorpion venom extraction can seem appealing because of the high prices that medical and research industries pay for this potent substance. However, making a lucrative income from milking scorpions is more complex than it might initially seem. I personally believe that understanding the numbers and logistics is essential before entering this unique venture. Understanding Venom Value Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge the market value of scorpion venom, which is among the most expensive liquids by volume. Depending on the species and the quality of the extraction, the venom can fetch anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 per gram. The high cost is due to the venom’s use in medical research, including cancer treatment studies and antivenom production, making it highly sought after in specific scientific communities. Practical Yields and Species Considerations Not all scorpions are created equal when it comes to the value of their venom. Species like the Deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus) are particularly coveted due to their potent venom, which is rich in compounds useful for medical research. However, even with a valuable species, the amount of venom each scorpion produces is minimal — typically around 0.5 to 2 milligrams per milking session, and you can safely milk them about twice a month. The Math Behind the Venom Let’s break down the numbers. To set a realistic income goal, suppose you aim to make $100,000 annually from venom sales. Assuming you can sell the venom at an average price of $10,000 per gram, you would need to produce 10 grams of venom each year. Since 1 gram equals 1,000 milligrams, you would need a total of 10,000 milligrams of venom annually. Each scorpion might give you 1 milligram per milking, and if milked twice a month, that’s 24 milligrams per scorpion per year. To meet your income goal, you would therefore need about 417 scorpions. This figure highlights the scale of what might initially seem like a small operation. Considerations and Challenges Beyond just the numbers, there are significant challenges and considerations in setting up and running a scorpion venom extraction business: Setup and Ongoing Costs: Initial costs can be quite high, as specialized equipment and facilities are needed to house and safely milk scorpions. Legal and Ethical Issues: There are often stringent regulations governing the use of animals for commercial purposes, including licensing and welfare considerations. Market Demand and Stability: The market for scorpion venom is niche and can be volatile. Establishing reliable connections within the industry is essential for success. Personal Thoughts I personally think that while the potential for high income is alluring, the scorpion venom extraction business requires a deep commitment and a robust understanding of both the science and the market. It’s not merely about having a large number of scorpions; it’s about creating a sustainable and ethical operation that can consistently produce high-quality venom in a market that is inherently limited and highly specialized. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in starting this business!
linkedin.com/in/anas-bedraoui-21...

Accelerating Team Human 4878

Brad Ovitt, 2 y.
As the solar eclipse moved across America today, there was a timer. Maybe nobody was watching it, but it was there. I created it. At the moment of eclipse totality a job search site called Blackflag was quietly released with the hope of improving the way teams are built. One small step in a larger mission to change the role technology plays in the evolution of our society. One small step in a larger mission to accelerate team human. It's a vague and ambiguous mission for a reason. Much talk has been made recently over accelerationism philosophy. For example, Effective Accelerationism (e/acc) is a philosophy of maximizing energy consumption and compute by exponentially improving technology to improve society. In response there has been debate over the increasingly negative impact technology has on society and some have asserted humanism. I think it's an interesting commentary because, while there have always been those who imprint virtues to actions, if ethics is how to act, the introduction of technology and deemphasis of the human condition on ethics is an almost formulaic way to calculate the demise of team human. Modernism symbolizes either Leviathan or "god is dead." What do you call the intersection of science, technology, and society? There is science, which we consider rigorous thought. Then there is technology, which is the application of science. Technology is in direct contrast with our relativistic field of social studies. The relationship between society and technology is unclear, but clearly present. Of course, if I were not a technologist, I would not be building technology. Perhaps to more aptly summarize: the mission of Blackflag is to expand the the role society plays in technology, while minimizing the interference of technology on society. It is a non-political mission, though it may be seen as ideologically driven to a form of environmentalism and accelerationism. To begin, Blackflag is providing a free publicly-available job search engine that is the start of a larger effort to improve the quality of our organizations and teams. While Blackflag will be a commercial organization, it's symbol and likeness are public domain. * note blackflag.dev will be moved to blackflag.jobs, for which I am awaiting delayed ICANN verification.
blackflag.dev

El Salvador: The most important country you barely hear about 5366

Tariq Daouda, 2 y.
El Salvador has a significant diaspora, so much that money coming from the US is a major source of income. **Not so long ago you would have been pressed to find a Salvadorian who wanted to go back to El Salvador. Now things seems to be changing.** El Salavador, used to have one of the highest homicide rates in the Americas, now it looks relatively safe. El Salvador showed an interesting strategy. First boost the economy before handling the crime situation. Crime is indeed a part of GDP, albeit a hard one to quantify. Since it is an economic activity, it participates in exchanges and provides people with activities that supports them and their families. Drastically reducing crime has the effect of creating *'unemployed criminals'* people with a skillset that's hard to sell in a traditional economy. El Salvador probably did take a hit to its GDP, but that was compensated by the increase in economic activity and investments. Bitcoin was a big part of that. Bitcoin got a lot of bad press as a technology only used by criminals, or a crazy investment for crazy speculators. These takes failed to understand the technology and it's potential. What Bitcoin offers is a decentralized, fast and secure payment system for free. El Salvador doesn't have to maintain it, regulate it, or even monitor it. All very costly activities that a small country can do without. Bitcoin is a mathematically secure way of payment. In a country where road infrastructures are challenging, Bitcoin offers people in remote areas the possibility to pay their bills without travelling for hours. In a country that was unsafe, Bitcoin offered people the possibility to go out without the fear of being robbed. It also attracted a kind of investors that would go nowhere else. And even if these investment can appear small, for a country like El Salvador it's a big change. The Salvadorian experiment in a freer economy, crypto-friendly and smaller government, in a time of increasing inflation, has a lot of people watching. In a continent that leaned left for so long, this is a big change. My opinion is that there would be no Javier Millier hadn't there been a Nayib Bukele before. Argentina has been a bastion of the left for decades. If the libertarian policies of Millier succeed in bettering the lives of Argentinians, we might be on the brink of a major cultural shift in the Americas and then the world. Argentina is a far bigger country than El Salvador, with far more people watching.

GenZ: The Fiscally Aware Generation 5979

Tariq, 2 y.
I am sitting at Paul's cafe at the airport en route to Nairobi via Cairo for Applied Machine Learning Days (AMLD) Africa (a wonderful conference, more on that later). **In front of me 4 young males, early 20s, they speak loudly in french as they eat the burgers and fries they bought at another restaurant.** They talk about money. "You have no idea how much money I lose to taxes", says one of them. "40 to 50%! It's a lot of money, I would make so much more without it". He sees taxes not as a net necessary good, as most have been trained to see it, but as any other cost. Interesting, that's not the type of conversations you would expect from someone that young. It's not the first time I hear this type of conversation from GenZs. Why are GenZs becoming more fiscally aware than previous generations? I think it comes down to two factors: - Inflation - The entrepreneurial culture Inflation has hit everybody, for obvious reasons. However one constant with inflation is that it hits the poorest hardest. Young people tend to have less money. But that's not enough to raise awareness about a subject that most consider beyond boring. This brings us to the next point: *The entrepreneurial culture*. As a millennial I witnessed it's burgeoning and blossoming. It started timidly with a few books and blogs, then massive blogs, then best sellers, then YouTube videos and finally podcasts. Not so long ago being an entrepreneur was considered an unwise life choice. Successful people go to work for established companies. Such was common wisdom. However, as the 2008 recession hit and people started to look for more revenue streams, they also discovered the concept that having one's business can also mean more freedom and better financial security. There is however a big difference between the Millennial Entrepreneur and the GenZ Entrepreneur. The Millennial was still uneasy with the idea of making money and as such would speak about *"making a positive impact in the world"*, the GenZ is not burden in this way. You can see the shift in YouTube ads, today it's all bout how much you will make if you buy this or that business course. So whatever online business they start, being it drop shipping or whatever, they tend do it in a money aware way. Starting an online business is a hard, the competition is fierce. Naturally, they try to invest their hard earned money wisely. When the tax bill comes, they see it as it is: an unexpected cost that does not necessarily translate to a better life quality. Nothing is free in this incarnation. Some are not even shy about relocating to fiscally advantageous locations like Dubai and making videos about it. This could be the end of the blissful fiscally unaware generations.

XR Voice (Moroccan Dialectal) 5955

Dr. EL Mostafa Bourhim, 2 y.
XR Voice is an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and professional expertise. Recognizing that the advancement of scientific inquiry begins with elevating awareness within the professional realm, XR Voice seeks to gather insights from experts across various fields. By listening to the voices of professionals and their perspectives, this platform aims to explore how scientific research can enhance and refine diverse domains of expertise. Through this collaboration, XR Voice endeavors to catalyze a symbiotic relationship where cutting-edge research not only informs but actively elevates the standards and practices within the professional world. By attentively considering the perspectives of professionals, this platform endeavors to explore how scientific research can enrich and refine various domains of expertise. Through collaborative engagement, XR Voice seeks to cultivate a symbiotic relationship wherein cutting-edge research not only informs but actively elevates the standards and practices within professional contexts. This mission is underpinned by the fundamental belief that all development begins with a deepened awareness and appreciation of scientific inquiry. Furthermore, this concept encourages experts to utilize Moroccan dialectal Arabic whenever feasible, fostering inclusivity and cultural resonance within the discourse. “No country has ever prospered without first building its capacity to anticipate, trigger and absorb economic and social change through scientific research.” Dr. El Mostafa Bourhim
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrJJi...

The Impact of Big Five Personality Traits on Augmented Reality Acceptance Behavior: An Investigation in the Tourism Field 5782

Dr. EL Mostafa Bourhim, 2 y.
Along with the rapid development of the Internet and mobile devices, the integration of augmented reality (AR) in the tourism sector has become very popular. Utilizing the Big five model (BFM) as the theoretical framework, the study examines the role of personality in influencing the behavioral intention (BI) to use mobile augmented reality in the tourism sector (MART). The study further investigates the role of personal innovativeness (PIV) in determining tourists’ behavioral intentions to use MART. Quantitative research was carried out to test the conceptual model. This paper strengthened the analysis by implementing PLS-SEM method using data collected from 374 participants. The study results demonstrated that openness to experience (OPN) is a strong predictor of MART use. In addition, agreeableness (AGR), conscientiousness (CONs), extraversion (EX), neuroticism (NR), and personal innovativeness (PIV) have all significant and positive impacts on behavioral intention (BI) to use MART. The present research purpose was to investigate the BFM variables with regards to MART use. The research also examined the contribution of PIV in explaining the BI to use MART. By employing PLS-SEM to tackle the primary study question. The current work makes a significant advance in MART use research. Empirically, the findings achieved are consistent with the BFM. Based on the outcomes of this research, all relationships have been assessed as being statistically relevant. Moreover, PIV positively influences the use of MART. The BI to use MART was positively impacted by AGR (H1: β = 0.128), CON (H2: β = 0.108), EX (H3: β = 0.124), NR (H4: β = 0.322), and OPN (H5: β = 0.169). This implies that users are expected to exhibit a strong BI to use MART when they are agreeable, conscious, extroverted, neurotic, and open to experiences. Additionally, the outcomes of the present paper also significantly upheld the association between PIV and the BI to use MART. Path analysis was found to be significant and positive (H6: β = 0.156); the result states that innovative tourists will intend to use MART. The important limitations are a higher risk of overlooking ‘real’ correlations and sensitivity to the scaling of the descriptor variables.
xrm.ma/research-publication/

Even in the digital age, travel agencies remain an ideal partner for hotels 5699

Othmaneig, 2 y.
- Business -
2.2 min read.
In the digital age, although many travelers book their stays online directly, incoming travel agencies remain partners of choice for hotels. Operating a hotel requires an in-depth study of the target clientele, competitors and partners with whom we can collaborate to optimize revenue management. A receptive travel agency or a DMC (Destination Management Company) offers its clients (individuals and corporates) support from A to Z, from the design of tourist activities, transport management, reservation of accommodation and seminar rooms , the inclusion of catering services, and even the provision of more special services (rental of translation equipment, audiovisual equipment, etc.) during their stays, tours or events. This is a stable source of customers for the hospitality industry, as travel agencies tend to refer their customers to the same trusted providers. Travel agencies make it possible in particular to increase occupancy rates, to generally improve the guest experience of customers thanks to the advice and support offered to customers and the local experiences that they will offer, they make it possible to streamline and to optimize hotel operations, particularly check-in, and to alleviate pressure on sales and marketing teams. Indeed, they often manage the logistical and administrative aspects of reservations, allowing hotels to focus on improving the guest experience and other operational aspects. Depending on the type (leisure or business), its capital structure (belonging to an international chain, a hotel investment group or family-owned), its size and its range, the advantages for a hotel in making travel agencies Travel of top allies may vary. Here are some reasons why hotels may benefit from collaborating with travel agencies despite the evolving digital landscape: Travel agencies often benefit from a global reach through their sales representatives, partner issuing agencies and their presence at international trade shows. They thus attract a large audience. Collaborating with these agencies allows hotels to reach potential guests who might not have discovered their property through other means. Conversely, partnerships with well-established Moroccan travel agencies can help hotels reach a local audience. Agencies can promote special packages, seasonal offers and special events, helping to attract national clients. Agencies invest heavily in online marketing, which can be costly and complex for an individual hotel. By working with agencies, hotels can leverage their marketing campaigns, social media presence and partnerships to attract more guests. They offer multi-channel distribution, allowing hotels to reach different market segments through various online channels. This can include websites, mobile applications and especially partnerships with other travel platforms such as Travel Exchange, American Express, Perfect Stay, Voyage Privé, Ctrip, etc. which deploy cutting-edge digital strategies to enable new categories of Internet users to travel more, notably taking advantage of last minute flash sales. Travel agencies can also help hotels optimize revenue by dynamically managing rates and availability. This is particularly important to maximize profits and fill available rooms, especially in low season. It is also important to note that hotels must find the right balance in their distribution strategy, avoiding excessive dependence on certain online platforms. They can sometimes specialize in source markets not usual for the destination (for example in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia or Latin America), thus offering hotels the possibility of reaching a diversified clientele, limiting the risks of business continuity linked to conflicts, disasters, etc. Finally, DMCs (Destination Management Companies), through their global vision of the destination and their collaborations with numerous hotels, can be good propagators of best practices. They are also an excellent source of opinions, feedback and recommendations to be used to improve customer satisfaction. Studies carried out in the tourism sector in the aftermath of covid often lead to the same conclusions among which we can find the importance of addressing firstly to a local clientele, the need to develop inclusive tourism anchored in its environment, the urgency of the ecological transition but also the need to strengthen cooperation between the different players in the industry in order to make it more stable, more sustainable and therefore more attractive both for investors and for talents.