Officials in northern Morocco have approved 33 million dirhams ($3.3m) to build two new areas for businesses in Chefchaouen province and the town of Targuist.
The decision was taken at a regional council meeting in March. Council head Omar Moro said the aim is simple: bring in investment, help small businesses grow and create jobs, especially in poorer areas.
Most of the money, 23 million dirhams, will go to a new site in Chefchaouen. Work is planned between 2026 and 2027. The local council will provide the land.
The area will have more than 200 small workshops for craftspeople and small businesses, plus larger plots for other activities. It will also have basic services like water, electricity, roads and internet.
Another 10 million dirhams will fund a smaller site in Targuist, covering about two hectares. It is a joint project with the Ministry of Industry and other local authorities, with work expected to start soon.
Officials say these zones will give small businesses proper places to operate instead of working informally. That should make it easier for them to access funding and social benefits.
The projects are part of a wider regional plan for 2022 to 2027 to close the gap between the booming city of Tangier and more rural areas like Chefchaouen and Al Hoceima.
