Morocco pushes regional projects to boost jobs

Morocco has accelerated its push to support small businesses, approving multiple new investment projects in a short period as part of a bigger plan to spread growth and create jobs, according to an APA News report published on January 7th. 

Morocco approved 89 investment projects under its National SME Program in just six weeks, with the projects expected to create around 5,000 direct jobs in their first phase. The projects represent a total investment of about 1.28 billion dirhams, or roughly $140 million. Moreover, Morocco’s private and public investments contributed 20% to Africa’s investments. 

Investment Minister Karim Zidane said the approvals show that the program is gaining pace and delivering results on the ground. He told lawmakers that if the current speed continues, the scheme could create up to 40,000 jobs each year. Interestingly, Morocco’s GDP in 2026 is expected to outpace global trends. 

The minister was speaking during a session at the House of Representatives, where he gave an update on progress under the National SME Program. The initiative is a central part of Morocco’s 2022–2026 business climate roadmap, which aims to make it easier to invest, reduce delays and support smaller companies. According to Zidane, 98% of the roadmap’s measures have already been launched, with two-thirds now completed.

A major change under the program is the decision to shift more power to the regions. To speed up decisions, the government has handed responsibility for preparing, approving and funding projects worth less than 250 million dirhams to Regional Investment Centres. These centres, known as CRIs, now manage projects directly at the local level.

This approach allows regional authorities to respond more quickly to local needs and reduce long approval processes. It also helps companies receive financial support faster. Under the scheme, grants can cover up to 30% of eligible investment costs, easing the burden on small firms looking to grow or launch new projects.

Zidane stated that the government’s goal is to fully implement its business reforms by the end of 2026. By focusing on very small, small and medium-sized enterprises, officials hope to diversify the economy and create more balanced growth.

The government also aims to ensure that investment reaches areas beyond Morocco’s main industrial corridor, spanning from Tangier to Casablanca. By strengthening regional decision-making, authorities hope to spread jobs and economic activity more evenly across the country.

Overall, the program reflects Morocco’s effort to turn policy plans into concrete projects, with a clear focus on job creation, faster investment approvals and stronger support for small businesses.

APA News, Maghrebi.org