Despite ongoing challenges, small and medium-sized businesses remain a driving force in Morocco’s economy. Making up more than 93% of the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, these firms account for over 70% of private-sector employment and contribute roughly a third of the national GDP.
As the world marks International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day on June 27—a date established in 2017—the importance of this sector takes on renewed significance in the Moroccan context. Entrepreneurial energy is clearly present: more than 69,000 new businesses were created last year, the vast majority of them microenterprises.
But beneath this vitality lies a fragile foundation. Nearly 80% of these very small businesses fail to make it past their fifth year. The obstacles are well known: limited access to financing, cumbersome bureaucracy, insufficient support systems, and a slow pace in adopting digital tools.
To tackle these persistent hurdles, several national programs have been rolled out. Leading the charge is the Intelaka initiative, launched in 2020, which has helped over 50,000 entrepreneurs through tailored financing solutions. It was followed two years later by the Forsa program, which provides interest-free loans and personalized guidance. In just two cycles, more than 20,000 projects have been backed, many in rural areas and among youth and women.
Morocco’s industrial competitiveness agency, Maroc PME, has also played a key role. Between 2020 and 2023, it supported over 6,700 projects, mobilizing 13 billion dirhams in investment and generating an estimated 133,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
Legal and regulatory reforms have advanced in parallel. A revised public procurement code is in the works, aiming to open up government contracts to smaller players. Meanwhile, efforts to streamline administrative procedures have taken shape through platforms like CRI Invest. And the self-employed status framework has formalized over 370,000 individuals, helping bring informal entrepreneurs into the legal fold.
Still, the inclusion of small businesses in Morocco’s major industrial sectors remains limited. The country’s key value chains—in industries like automotive, aerospace, and textiles—are typically dominated by large corporations, leaving little room for smaller firms to participate or grow alongside them.
The question now goes beyond simply keeping these businesses afloat. Their future role hinges on whether they can adapt to larger, ongoing transitions—digital transformation, green energy shifts, and environmental demands. That will require stronger support networks, continued regulatory reform, and more deliberate efforts to connect them to regional and sectoral ecosystems.
Ultimately, behind every statistic lies a story—an idea, a venture, a job, a life project in motion. International MSME Day serves as a reminder that each small business is more than just a number—it’s a personal journey, and a vital piece of the country’s economic puzzle.
