Morocco needs to focus on getting more people and businesses to use digital payments, rather than simply adding more payment machines, the head of a payment institutions association says. Maha Kohen, president of the Association Professionnelle des Établissements de Paiement (APEP), made the comments at Visa Acceptance Day Morocco 2026 in Casablanca on 17 September.
“The future of digital acceptance in Morocco is no longer a matter of equipment, but of usage,” Kohen said.
Payment institutions have taken a bigger role since the acquiring market was opened to non-bank players. They work with small businesses, self-employed workers and merchants in rural areas.
Kohen said the basic system is now in place. The bigger challenge is getting merchants and customers to use digital payments regularly.
“The market has organized itself and the fundamentals are in place,” she said.
The sector now needs to make digital payments easier and cheaper for businesses. This includes clear fees, simpler registration and better support for merchants.
Customers also need a wider network and a smooth payment experience, Kohen said.
Payment institutions are working with Bank Al-Maghrib on issues such as pricing, merchant registration and the framework for payment fees.
“The next step is to transform this framework into genuinely used acceptance,” Kohen said.
Small shops, self-employed workers and other cash-heavy businesses remain an important part of the push to increase digital payments.
The focus is now moving from putting payment technology in place to making it part of everyday business.
