Corporate social responsibility in Morocco: what issues and what prospects?

By Dr. Zakaria Abbass
Teacher-researcher in business strategy and international trade Euromed business school (EBS) – Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez

In Morocco, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is taking an increasingly central place in the economic landscape. Faced with global challenges such as climate change, energy transition and social inequalities, national companies find themselves at the intersection of economic performance and their role in society.

The Kingdom’s strategic vision, supported by economic reforms and international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), requires economic actors to rethink their business models by integrating ethical, social and environmental dimensions.

The internationalization of Moroccan companies requires not only skills in market strategies, but also an acute awareness of CSR practices. The latter are no longer perceived as a simple communication tool, but as a lever for sustainable competitiveness on the international scene.

Indeed, in today’s global trade, compliance with CSR standards is becoming a prerequisite for accessing international markets, particularly in Europe, where environmental and social standards are tightening.

The role of the Moroccan private sector in sustainable development
The private sector plays a crucial role in achieving national sustainable development goals. In 2021, Morocco launched the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2030, one of the major axes of which is the promotion of CSR in companies.

This strategy encourages private actors to engage in initiatives aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability, social inclusion and good governance. Companies operating in strategic sectors such as agriculture, textiles and industry are called upon to adopt more responsible practices to meet the growing expectations of consumers and investors.

Those that integrate ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria see their financial performance improve, in particular thanks to better risk management and a better reputation.

CSR as a catalyst for innovation
CSR is an opportunity for innovation and value creation. A large number of pioneering Moroccan companies are already showing the way, notably with programs like the United Nations Global Compact which brings together more than 120 companies committed to aligning their strategies with universal principles relating to human rights, standards of labor, the environment and the fight against corruption.

Corporate initiatives such as those of the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP), which invests heavily in renewable energy and sustainable development, illustrate the potential of CSR to transform the national economic landscape.

In addition, the Green Morocco Plan, launched in 2008, encouraged the agricultural sector to adopt sustainable practices and strengthen the integration of small farms in the value chain, with a direct impact on improving social and economic in rural areas.

Challenges and opportunities for Moroccan SMEs
However, the generalization of CSR in Morocco still faces several obstacles. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the bulk of the national economic fabric, struggle to implement CSR policies due to a lack of resources and specific skills.

In order to overcome this constraint, initiatives such as the CSR Charter of the CGEM (General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises) offer guidelines to help SMEs structure their CSR commitments. It is also essential to develop tax incentives and support programs for these companies so that they can fully integrate CSR principles into their growth strategy.

Future prospects: a strengthened legislative framework and internationalization of good practices
To accelerate this dynamic, the legislative framework around CSR in Morocco is gradually strengthening. Framework law 99-12 relating to the National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development requires companies to take environmental aspects into account in their activities.

In addition, the creation of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection has helped to raise awareness among businesses of the importance of reducing their ecological footprint. Internationally, Moroccan companies must prepare to meet the new demands of trading partners, particularly in exporting sectors. Certifications such as ISO 26000, which encourages companies to adopt CSR practices, are becoming increasingly essential for accessing competitive international markets.

In conclusion, Morocco is gradually positioning itself as a regional player committed to sustainable development, thanks to a convergence of public and private initiatives in CSR. However, to maximize positive impacts, it is crucial to encourage broader participation of SMEs and strengthen the regulatory framework for a transition to a truly sustainable Moroccan economy.