A recent article on the BBC using data from the Arab Barometer survey asked the question, “Could Morocco see the next uprising after Sudan and Algeria?” While it was selective in its choice of data points, for example, attitudes toward religion, the point of the article, which echoes Moroccan King Mohammed...
According to the latest findings of the Arab Barometer, which surveyed approximately 2,400 Moroccans in face-to-face interviews in the fall of 2018, attitudes are largely split along generational lines. While the older generation (50+) still has confidence in the country’s institutions, younger Moroccans, reflecting trends across the Arab world, are frustrated...
Nationwide protests have been taking place in Lebanon since mid-October. I am blessed with knowing some very smart people in the country, from various backgrounds, who hold the ideal of Lebanon and its possibilities close to their hearts. So, in following recent events on social media and articles in various...
Over the years, I have met many Moroccan professionals committed to becoming the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and role models in their country, even if that means going abroad to take advantage of opportunities that have not yet matured in Morocco. I recently met with Najwa el-Iraki, the founder...
Reading tea leaves, even great Moroccan mint tea, is always challenging, especially with data that doesn’t always seem to match up. So, depending on what you’re measuring and where you gather your statistics, the message can vary from so bad to almost great, when it comes to economic performance. So,...
On July 30, the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne, King Mohammed VI honored his country’s past achievements and projected the need for Morocco to push forward its efforts. His message summarized his pride in having moved the country progressively while regretting that too much still needed to...
In an article published last month with the title, “Could Morocco see the next uprising, after Sudan and Algeria?” the BBC demonstrated a misunderstanding of Moroccan society by conflating civil unrest and public dissatisfaction over the kingdom’s leadership with the overall stability of the country. Despite their behavior as autocrats,...
There’s good and ugly economic news in Morocco and Tunisia, according to Oxfam and the IMF. Two recent reports highlight the challenges of developing an equitable and high-performing economy in North Africa. While Morocco and Tunisia have demonstrated a degree of political will in announcing goals for more equitable societies,...
The challenges of sustainable economic growth and meaningful employment are common throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, at the recent opening of a workshop on the digital economy, pointed out that “digitization is one of the primary building blocks for national prosperity.” He added...
Providing better opportunities for Arab women to succeed as entrepreneurs will benefit the Middle East and North Africa. The economic and business roles of Arab women have been discussed for more than two decades, and initiatives have been launched on the consensus that their participation is worth promoting. With electoral...
