Marrakech to Fez

Today wasn’t the most exciting day. We had to travel from Marrakech in the south of Morocco to the former capital Fez which is in the north. It was about a 6 hour drive plus stops every couple of hours so we didn’t arrive until quite late in the day meaning I don’t have many photos to attach.

Fez might be a bit higher but it sure was hot. It is meant to hit 40 degrees tomorrow which is not going to be pleasant.

Interestingly the building colours changed again. We started with white in Casablanca, terracotta in Marrakech, and now a creamy white colour in Fez.

On the drive up Soufiane was talking about the government and how it is trying to lift the living standards of all Moroccans. It is a monarchy and the King does have some powers but mostly it is the parliament that runs the country.

Education is a big priority so all Government schools and universities are free. Kids have to attend school until they are 16 at least. Agriculture is a big part of the economy but while the north is fertile and gets good rain the south has been in drought for a few years so there are programs to support small farmers and help them with access to water.

Renewable energy is a big focus with hydro, solar, and wind all being supported. If you want to add solar panels to your house or business the government will reimburse you the cost.

Social housing is available as people move to cities or as cities spread out to what was farming land. They are setting the country up to be a technology hub with universities and tech-hubs supporting entrepreneurs wanting to launch businesses.

Road and rail networks are being expanded with Africa’s first high speed train being in Morocco. The freeways we traveled on today were as good as any freeways in Australia.

Car industries are being encouraged to move to Morocco as it offers cheap labour very close to Europe. Dacia is part of Renault and has factories in Tangier as well as Casablanca.

So it seems the government is making all the right moves to support the country as it develops into the future.Read more