In 2022, nearly 30% of Schengen visa applications from Moroccan travelers were rejected, with France and Spain responsible for the majority of these refusals. The rejection rate for Moroccan applications significantly exceeds the global average, placing Morocco among the countries with the highest rejection rates. The financial burden on applicants is substantial, with non-refundable expenses for visa fees, travel insurance, and other related costs. The rising rejection rates have sparked criticism from Moroccan organizations, which denounce discriminatory treatment and delays in processing. Data privacy concerns have also been raised regarding the handling of personal information by visa service providers.

The Japanese industrial automation leader SMC Corporation has officially opened its Moroccan subsidiary, SMC Morocco, aiming to make Morocco a regional hub for the continent. The decision is driven by Morocco's significant economic growth and promising market for industrial automation. SMC Morocco aims to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness for Moroccan businesses. SMC, recognized as one of the world's most innovative companies by Forbes, has a global presence in over 80 countries. This move strengthens economic cooperation between Morocco and Japan, following trade agreements signed in 2020.

Germany has significantly increased its imports of Moroccan tomatoes by 73.16% over the past five years, making Morocco its third-largest supplier in 2022. This shift has come at the expense of imports from the Netherlands and Spain, which have decreased. Moroccan tomatoes have seen a substantial rise in the European market, with exports to the UK also increasing dramatically. Spanish producers are concerned about the competition from Morocco, citing regulatory challenges that hinder their performance. Moroccan exports to the EU have grown from 365,000 tonnes in 2013 to 557,000 tonnes in 2022, indicating a promising future for Moroccan agricultural products.

MIT Technology Review's 2023 'Green Future Index' ranks Morocco as the 2nd most sustainable country in Africa and the Arab world, and 37th globally. Despite a slight decline from 2022, Morocco excels in clean innovation and climate policy but needs improvement in energy transition. The country has signed a €115 million agreement with the European Union to promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. Globally, Scandinavian countries lead the index, with Iceland at the top.

Tanger Med has been ranked as the 4th most efficient container port in the world in the 2022 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. The port outperformed major ports like Yokohama, Algeciras, Singapore, and Busan. The report evaluates port efficiency based on the time taken for a ship to dock, exchange cargo, and depart. The top three ports are Yangshan (China), Salalah (Oman), and Khalifa (Abu Dhabi). The CPPI aims to identify infrastructure gaps and provide recommendations for improving port performance.

OCP Group is set to invest 70 billion dirhams in a new green ammonia plant in Tarfaya, aiming to produce 200,000 tonnes by 2026 and 3 million tonnes by 2032. This investment is part of a broader 130 billion dirham development program presented to King Mohammed VI. The plant will help reduce OCP's ammonia imports, which reached 20 billion dirhams in 2022. Additionally, OCP is working on seawater desalination projects to support its industrial activities with non-conventional water resources by 2027. The company also plans to start operations in Nigeria and Ethiopia by the end of 2026, with a goal to increase fertilizer sales from 12 million tonnes in 2021 to 20 million tonnes by 2027.

Lear Corporation, a leading American manufacturer of automotive seating and electronic systems, announced the opening of a new factory in Tangier, Morocco, expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2023. The new facility will produce injection-molded parts and technical plastics, creating approximately 150 new jobs. This expansion adds to Lear's existing 16 factories in Morocco, employing over 19,000 people. The company also operates an engineering center in Rabat and supplies major automotive brands like Ferrari, Stellantis, and BMW Group.

North Africa is predicted to become the world's leading exporter of green hydrogen over the next three decades, driven by abundant renewable resources, low domestic demand, and proximity to Europe. Deloitte's report forecasts that global green hydrogen trade will generate over $280 billion in revenue by 2050, with North Africa expected to lead with $110 billion. Major importers will include China, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. Significant investments are anticipated in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, which is attracting substantial investments and partnerships for green hydrogen projects.

Social beliefs significantly hinder the economic empowerment of women in Morocco, as highlighted by a Boston Consulting Group report. The study, involving 6,000 participants across several African countries, reveals that traditional views limit women's economic participation. Despite investments in education, deeply rooted beliefs keep women out of the workforce, resulting in economic losses. The report emphasizes the need for legislative changes and social awareness to alter perceptions of women's roles. It also highlights the importance of showcasing successful women entrepreneurs to inspire change and drive economic growth.

Pratt & Whitney, a Canadian leader in aircraft and helicopter engine design, manufacturing, and maintenance, has announced the establishment of its subsidiary, Pratt & Whitney Maroc (PWM), in Morocco. PWM will specialize in the manufacturing of static and structural machined parts for various engine types. Morocco was chosen for its burgeoning aerospace enterprise cluster, favorable business environment, and skilled workforce. The new facility, spanning over 12,000 square meters, will be located in the MidParc free zone of Casablanca, with construction starting in Q4 2023 and inauguration expected in 2025. It aims to create 200 high-quality jobs by 2030. The investment is seen as crucial for meeting high engine demand and serving as a commercial hub for Africa.