If you’re walking through the streets of Rabat or the white-washed alleys of Casablanca right now, you’ll notice something weird. The usual frantic energy is... different. It’s a holding of breath. Honestly, if you’re looking for the biggest news from Morocco today, it isn’t in a government building. It’s on the football pitch.
Schools are literally rescheduling life.
The Ministry of Education just dropped a bombshell that has parents and students either cheering or scrambling. They’ve officially pushed back the local unified exams and continuous assessment tests. Originally slated for right now, they’re moving to January 20th and 21st. Why? Because the Atlas Lions are in the AFCON 2025 final this Sunday, January 18th.
They’re playing Senegal. The "Teranga Lions" versus the "Atlas Lions." It’s basically the only thing anybody is talking about from Tangier to Dakhla.
The Football Fever That Paused A Nation
It sounds crazy to postpone national exams for a game, doesn't it? Not here. Not after the 2022 World Cup run that turned the world upside down.
The government basically admitted that nobody—not the students, not the teachers, and definitely not the parents—would be focused on algebra or history while the national team is hunting for its first continental trophy since 1976. The "Final Fever" is a real, documented phenomenon. Morocco just edged out Nigeria in a brutal semi-final that went to penalties on January 14th.
The energy is electric.
But it’s not just sports making news from Morocco today. While the fans are screaming, the weather is doing something much colder.
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A Brutal Winter Chill Hits the Atlas
If you thought Morocco was all sunshine and sand dunes, the General Directorate of Meteorology has a reality check for you. A massive cold spell is gripping the country right now. We're talking temperatures dropping to -6°C in the Atlas Mountains.
Snow is falling.
Specifically, if you’re above 1,300 meters in the Rif or the Middle Atlas, you’re seeing white. The agency issued alerts for the southeast and the high plateaus too. It’s a strange contrast: the heat of the AFCON final versus the literal freezing temperatures in the mountains. This isn't just a "sweater weather" situation; it’s a legitimate orange-alert cold snap that’s affecting transport and rural life.
Beyond the Pitch: The 4.2% Growth Story
Economically, things are looking... surprisingly okay? Despite the world being a bit of a mess, the High Commission for Planning (HCP) released some stats this week that have people cautiously optimistic.
They’re forecasting a 4.2% growth rate for the first quarter of 2026.
That’s a slight bump from the 4% we saw at the end of last year. Where’s it coming from? Mostly agriculture and services. Rainfall has actually been decent lately—Al Wahda, the country's biggest dam, just hit 60% capacity. In a country that’s been fighting a "water war" for years, that 60% number is a huge relief for farmers.
But it’s not all sunshine. The HCP was pretty blunt about "external shocks."
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- European demand is slowing down.
- US tariffs are a wildcard.
- Chinese competition in the manufacturing sector is getting fierce.
Basically, Morocco is leaning hard on its domestic engines because the international market is acting up.
The Israel-Morocco Military Pact
Now, let's talk about something most people aren't seeing on the front pages of lifestyle mags. The "2026 Military Action Plan."
Earlier this month, a high-level delegation from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces was in Tel Aviv. This wasn't just a handshake. They finalized a roadmap for long-term military cooperation. It’s part of what experts call "Functional Sovereignty."
Morocco is quietly positioning itself as the primary security anchor for the West in North Africa. This pact moves beyond just buying drones or tanks; it’s about institutionalizing how the two militaries talk to each other. It’s a bold move that keeps the regional power balance shifting, especially with the ongoing tensions over the Sahara.
What Most People Get Wrong About Morocco Right Now
You might hear that the country is just a tourist hub or a gateway to Europe. That’s an old-school view.
Look at the WAM Morocco expo starting January 20th in Casablanca. It’s a massive tech and mobility event. We’re talking over 350 exhibitors focusing on green energy, quantum computing, and "future mobility." Morocco is trying to build a "Digital Food Hub" and a pharma manufacturing powerhouse.
They aren't just waiting for tourists; they’re trying to build the cars and the medicine of the future.
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The US Visa Situation
One bit of news that’s actually quite stressful for many families is the recent update from the US. The Trump administration reportedly imposed a suspension on permanent immigrant visa processing for several countries, including Morocco. This has sent ripples through the diaspora and among young professionals who were planning moves. It’s a reminder that even as Morocco strengthens military ties with Washington, the "people-to-people" side of things can get complicated fast.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re in Morocco or planning to head there in the next few days, here is the ground-level advice.
- Avoid the roads during the final: Seriously. On Sunday evening, the streets will be either a parade or a ghost town. If the Lions win, it’s a parade. If they lose, it's a very quiet, sad ghost town.
- Pack for the Atlas: If you're heading toward Ifrane or Azrou, take the heavy gear. The -6°C forecast is no joke, and the mountain roads can get dicey with the expected snowfall.
- Watch the Dam levels: If you’re in the agricultural business or looking at land, the Al Wahda 60% mark is the metric to follow. It’s the best indicator of how the spring harvest will go.
- Follow the HCP reports: If you’re looking at the Moroccan Dirham or investment, keep an eye on the manufacturing slowdown the HCP mentioned.
Morocco is in a weird, beautiful, and slightly frozen transition period right now. The nation is stuck between a historic football final and the cold reality of a harsh winter, all while trying to navigate a very complex global economy.
Keep an eye on the weather alerts and keep your Sunday evening free. The news tomorrow is either going to be a national holiday or a very long period of "what if."
For anyone following the economic shift, keep a close watch on the "Nador West Med" port project. It's the next big piece of the puzzle for Morocco's LNG (liquefied natural gas) strategy, with major tendering expected to pick up steam as we move further into 2026.
Check the local transport apps like CTM if you're traveling between cities this week, as the snow alerts in the High Atlas might cause last-minute route changes or delays. Stay warm, and keep an eye on the skies—and the score.