Morocco’s Wealth Gap: Three Regions Hold Over Half the Nation’s Riches
While Morocco boasts diverse regions and a growing economy, a recent report reveals a stark reality: the nation’s wealth is heavily concentrated in the hands of a few. Three regions alone – Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima – account for a staggering 57.9% of Morocco’s total wealth.
This concentration of wealth is further highlighted by the fact that just five regions generate over 33.5% of the national GDP. These economic powerhouses include:
Casablanca-Settat (31.4% of national wealth)
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (16.1% of national wealth)
Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (10.4% of national wealth)
Marrakech-Safi (8.3% of national GDP)
Fès-Meknès (7.9% of national GDP)
This disparity leaves other regions, such as Draa-Tafilalet and the three southern regions, struggling to catch up. These areas contribute a mere 7.9% to the national wealth, highlighting the urgent need for more equitable economic development across Morocco.
The High Commission for Planning (HCP), in its 2022 regional accounts report, confirms this widening gap. The average absolute difference between the GDP of different regions and the average regional GDP has increased from 72 billion dirhams in 2021 to 73.1 billion dirhams in 2022. This trend indicates that the gap between the richest and poorest regions is not only persistent but also growing.
This economic imbalance has far-reaching consequences. It can lead to:
Unequal access to opportunities: Limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in less wealthy regions can perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Social unrest: Growing disparities in wealth can fuel social unrest and instability.
Hindered national development: A nation’s true potential can only be realized when all its regions are economically empowered.
Addressing this wealth gap requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare in underserved regions is crucial. Promoting entrepreneurship and attracting investments outside the main economic hubs can also help stimulate growth and create jobs.
Ultimately, creating a more equitable distribution of wealth is not just an economic imperative, but a social one. It is essential for building a more prosperous and inclusive Morocco for all.
