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Morocco’s economy grows unevenly as regional disparities deepen
Morocco’s economy expanded by 3.7% in 2023, showcasing resilience amid global challenges. However, a new report by the High Commission of Planning (HCP) reveals that the benefits of this growth were not evenly distributed across the country, with significant regional inequalities persisting.
The nation’s GDP reached MAD 1.48 trillion at current prices, marking a recovery driven by key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and construction. The southern region of Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab emerged as the fastest-growing area, with a remarkable GDP growth rate of 10.1%. This performance was largely fueled by robust fishing and construction activities. Other regions such as Fes-Meknes (8.9%) and Marrakech-Safi (6.3%) also witnessed notable progress, supported by agriculture, services, and the revival of tourism.
In contrast, two regions faced economic contractions. Beni Mellal-Khenifra’s GDP shrank by 1.3%, while the Oriental region experienced a 1% decline, both affected by weaker agricultural output.
The report highlights the concentration of Morocco’s economic activity in a few regions. Casablanca-Settat alone accounted for nearly one-third of the national GDP. Along with Rabat-Sale-Kenitra and Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, these three regions generated close to 60% of the country’s economic output. Meanwhile, regions like Draa-Tafilalet and the southern territories—Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Saguia al Hamra, and Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab—contributed just 7.6% of the GDP combined, underscoring their comparatively limited economic impact.
Disparities in household consumption and income per capita also widened. GDP per person in Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab exceeded MAD 89,000, over three times the figure in Draa-Tafilalet, where it stood at only MAD 25,000. This stark contrast reflects the uneven distribution of wealth and economic opportunity across Morocco’s regions.
The report underscores the need for targeted regional development policies to bridge these growing gaps and ensure more balanced economic progress across the country.