Morocco’s permanent GMT+1 time zone, in place for over seven years, is back in the spotlight. A new study from the African Centre for Strategic and Digital Studies (CAESD) warns that the “extra hour” may be causing more problems than benefits.
The report says Morocco’s far-west location means the country is effectively on “permanent summer time.” Research shows people living at the far edge of a time zone get about 19 minutes less sleep each night. Teens are hit hardest, losing over 30 minutes, which can affect focus and school results. Health risks like heart problems, diabetes, and obesity may also rise.
Dark mornings could make roads more dangerous. While it’s not proven that time alone causes accidents in Morocco, rising traffic deaths suggest a closer look is needed.
Energy savings, one of the reasons GMT+1 was introduced in 2018, are also in doubt. Lessons from Turkey and U.S. studies show longer evenings don’t always cut electricity use and may even increase air-conditioning in hot weather. The report calls for releasing electricity usage data to get a clearer picture.
On the upside, staying on GMT+1 helps Morocco match European work hours, which is good for outsourcing and export industries. But it reduces overlap with London and New York, making it harder to connect with those markets. Inside Morocco, farming and informal businesses follow the sun, causing clashes with official work and school schedules.
The report suggests a three-step plan: adjust schedules in winter, carry out an independent study with open data, and then make a final choice, go back to GMT, stay on GMT+1 with health measures, or switch to seasonal time.
Morocco’s time zone isn’t just a technical issue. It affects sleep, health, daily life, and the economy. Decisions should be based on facts, not assumptions.
