Morocco's ATM Expansion Stalls: Urgent Action Needed

The expansion of automated teller machines (ATMs) in Morocco has come to a near standstill, as only 13 additional machines were installed nationwide in the first nine months of 2023. This meager increase of 0.2% since last year's end, as reported by the Interbank Electronic Banking Center, highlights a concerning trend.

As of now, Morocco boasts a total of 8,176 ATMs, and while Casablanca leads with 1,593 machines, other key cities such as Marrakesh (695), Rabat (617), Tangier (478), Agadir (449), and Fez (390) follow suit. Despite these numbers, a significant portion of the population still faces challenges in accessing cash easily.

The data reveals an interesting paradox: Moroccans are withdrawing record amounts despite the limited number of ATMs. In 2023 alone, over 309 million transactions have been made, with a total withdrawal value of 311.5 billion Moroccan dirhams. These figures represent substantial year-on-year increases of 13.5% and 15.7%, respectively.

This surge in ATM usage underscores a pressing need for more installations. However, the apparent stagnation in expansion has led to long lines and empty machines, creating daily frustrations for regular citizens and posing challenges for tourists. Local banker Hassan Alaoui notes, "The situation creates daily frustrations and poses headaches for tourists visiting our cities."

The current usage metrics indicate an average of 4,091 withdrawals, amounting to 4 million dirhams monthly per ATM. The sustainability of Morocco's aging ATM infrastructure under this relentless pace remains uncertain. It is evident that the country's people require more from these automated tellers than they currently provide.

In light of these challenges, urgent action is needed to address the stagnation in Morocco's ATM expansion. This not only involves increasing the number of ATMs but also improving their efficiency to meet the growing demands of the population. Failure to do so may exacerbate the existing frustrations and hinder the economic activities of both citizens and tourists alike.