Morocco's legislative elections began on a quiet note, with voter turnout reaching 4.23% by 10 a.m., according to Morocco World News. The elections, following Gen Z protests and a surge in migration to Ceuta, are set to determine the future of Western Sahara, per Atalayar. Meanwhile, Morocco's central bank kept its key rate steady at 2.25% amid geopolitical pressures, reported The North Africa Post. In a related development, the Tunisian foreign minister and the head of the International Organization for Migration discussed irregular migration on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, per Latest news from Azerbaijan.
In the realm of technology, Egypt’s Paymob raised USD 35 million to expand digital payments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), according to WeeTracker. Elsewhere, Morocco's researcher won an international award for his work on Olympic history, reported Morocco World News. The 2026 elections also brought a cultural angle, with the play "Macbeth of Zar" set to represent Iran at Tunisia's Carthage Theater Days, as reported by Tehran Times.
On the economic front, Egypt’s US liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports surged to a record high, while domestic gas output collapsed, per Businessfront. Craft Properties in Zimbabwe handed over houses to people with disabilities, reported Herald.co.zw. In a different context, a Nigerian cleric is wanted after a dead body was found buried in a church in Cameroon, according to leadership.ng.
In the sports arena, Oasis extended their tour with additional shows in Knebworth, Rome, and Munich, reported BBC. The Moroccan government eyes stronger ties with Kuwait, with the prime minister discussing direct investment and trade with the Kuwaiti crown prince, per Egypt Today. Neurobiologist Ye Bing, returning to China, said his decision is not influenced by a recent tragedy at Michigan’s campus, according to the South China Morning Post.
In a development that could impact the region's tech ecosystem, 5 Best iPhone 18 Pro Alternatives Under $1,000 in 2026, by TechRepublic, showcased several budget-friendly options for tech enthusiasts. Morocco’s parliamentary inertia is giving way to the emergence of social technocracy, according to 2026 Elections: Parliamentary Inertia and the Emergence of Social Technocracy, via Morocco World News.
The Moroccan government has also set six parameters for the Western Sahara dispute, which they believe has reached a historic turning point, per Morocco World News. Edouard Mendy, the goalkeeper for Senegal, reopened the debate over the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, insisting that Senegal won it twice, reported Morocco World News. Finally, temperatures in Egypt dropped following the onset of autumn, reported Egypt Independent.