The Moroccan government has approved 89 investment projects valued at over MAD 1.28 billion (approximately $139.6 million) under its new national support program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The approvals come just six weeks after the initiative was launched by the Ministry of Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies to accelerate business growth and stimulate investment across the kingdom.
A Catalyst for Job Creation
The new program is poised to have a significant impact on the country’s employment landscape. According to Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate for Investment, the initial 89 projects are expected to generate around 5,000 direct jobs.
“These projects are expected to create roughly 5,000 direct jobs,” Zidane stated. He added that if the current pace of implementation continues, the program could support the creation of up to 40,000 jobs per year within the SME segment, which he described as a key driver of economic growth in Morocco.
Decentralizing Investment to Boost Regional Growth
A key feature of the new framework is the decentralization of decision-making for smaller investments. The authority to prepare, evaluate, approve, and disburse subsidies for projects valued under MAD 250 million has been delegated to the regional level.
This strategic shift empowers local Regional Investment Centers (CRI) to oversee the SME support mechanism directly. The government aims for this decentralized process to reduce administrative delays, enhance efficiency, and bring decision-making closer to the investors, reinforcing the role of regions in driving economic development.
A Pillar in Morocco’s Broader Economic Roadmap
The SME support program is a critical component of the government’s broader 2022–2026 roadmap for improving the national business climate. Minister Zidane confirmed that 98% of the initiatives outlined in the roadmap have already been launched, with 67% at an advanced stage of implementation.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to completing all remaining measures within the current year, underscoring a clear political will to simplify administrative procedures and improve coordination among all actors in the investment ecosystem.
About The National SME Support Program
The National SME Support Program is a Moroccan government initiative designed to provide financial and strategic support to very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program aims to stimulate private investment, foster economic growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities across Morocco by offering a combination of broad-based assistance and targeted support for strategic companies.
Source: Morocco World News
