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Morocco’s domestic commerce sector participated in comprehensive discussions at Maamora near Salé, bringing together merchants, federations, professional associations, and private operators to address structural challenges within this essential economic sector. The gathering focused on formalizing retail operations while advancing digital integration across small-scale commerce, reported L’Economiste daily this Wednesday.
Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour acknowledged that while 300,000 merchants now participate in the unified professional contribution regime combining social protection and fiscal simplification, reluctance among some traders to pay social security contributions delays priority government initiatives. The sector remains central to national structural transformations despite economic fragility among many small retailers, Mezzour was quoted by the daily as saying.
National strategy encompasses four major axes: financial inclusion, digital integration, wholesale market reform, and supply chain improvement. Specific targets include connecting 35,000 retail points to modernized circuits, processing 5,000 daily deliveries, and modernizing 12 wholesale markets and 12 slaughterhouses. The Moroccan Retail Tech Builder program has supported 161 startups, targeting 300 new enterprises by 2027, while over 35,000 retailers benefit from supply offers through large-scale retail channels.
Two conventions signed during the event accelerate proximity commerce digitalization. Z.systems will connect up to 50,000 traditional shops to platforms offering direct major brand access, loyalty programs, and secure electronic wallets. Woliz will equip 20,000 retail points with connected terminals while integrating 90,000 merchants into its Woliz Pro application, including management and digital payment tools.
Specific programs address earthquake-affected zones with 2,910 commerce reconstruction and equipment initiatives, including 1,610 already supported. Payment system evolution continues since May 2025, with terminal acquisition no longer exclusively controlled by CMI. New operators authorized by Bank Al-Maghrib stimulate competition with interchange commissions capped at 0.65%, reducing merchant fees.
The 2030 World Cup serves as modernization catalyst, offering infrastructure improvement opportunities and enhanced local product distribution circuits, the publication commented.
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