The Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture, in a significant push for economic modernization, is rolling out a new initiative to integrate rural farmers and cooperatives into the country’s formal financial system. The announcement, made during the 18th International Agriculture Fair (SIAM) in Meknes, centers on a pilot project aimed at replacing cash dependency with digital payment solutions.
Quick Facts
- Pilot launched at SIAM 2026 in Meknes.
- 50 rural cooperatives receive electronic payment terminals.
- Targets women and young farmers facing financing barriers.
From Cash to Cards: A Pilot Project at SIAM
The initiative’s first practical step was unveiled at SIAM’s local products pavilion, where 50 cooperatives were equipped with Electronic Payment Terminals (EPT). This allows them to accept card payments directly, removing the friction of cash-only transactions.
“During this edition of SIAM, we have equipped 50 cooperatives with EPT, which will allow them to smooth their business and pay directly by bank card instead of always looking for liquidity,” Mohamed Ouhssain, financial director at the Ministry of Agriculture, told Morocco World News.
The move is designed to provide immediate, tangible benefits by making daily transactions more efficient and secure for small-scale agricultural businesses that have historically been excluded from the formal banking sector.
A Pillar of Morocco’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy
This pilot is not a standalone effort but a key component of Morocco’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy. The broader strategy, co-led by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and Bank Al-Maghrib, aims to expand access to financial services for underserved populations.
Officials emphasized that the strategy gives particular attention to the most vulnerable groups within the rural economy, including women and young farmers, who often encounter the greatest obstacles in securing finance. The second phase of the national strategy is set to introduce more focused and innovative measures to deepen the socio-economic impact on these communities. The government is also prioritizing financial education to ensure the effective adoption of new tools.
Expanding Digital Tools Beyond Terminals
Beyond the initial EPT rollout, the ministry is already planning for the next phase of digital adoption. Ouhssain confirmed that future efforts will focus on introducing phone-based payment solutions to further improve commercial operations and profitability for rural entrepreneurs.
Reinforcing this long-term vision, the ministry signed a framework agreement with the Professional Association of Payment Institutions during the SIAM conference. The partnership is geared towards promoting the development of innovative and inclusive payment solutions specifically designed for the agricultural sector.
About Morocco’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy
The National Financial Inclusion Strategy is a government-led initiative guided by Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, and Bank Al-Maghrib. Its primary objective is to widen access to formal financial services for underserved populations, particularly small-scale farmers and rural communities, to foster greater economic and social integration.
Source: Morocco World News
