Casablanca – The Moroccan government has unveiled a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing and modernizing the nation’s weekly markets, crucial hubs for economic activity across both rural and urban areas. Minister of Interior, Abdellatif Laftit, announced a substantial financial commitment during a recent session at the Chamber of Advisors, emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative.

Under this program, a total investment of approximately $103 million will be allocated. The Ministry of Interior leads the funding with $51.5 million, while the Ministries of Agriculture and Industry & Commerce contribute $25.8 million each. This collaborative effort is set to address longstanding challenges faced by weekly markets, focusing on organizing economic spaces, promoting local products, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering sustainable development.

Laftit highlighted the multifaceted goals of the initiative, including improving working conditions for traders and artisans and enhancing visitor accessibility. This effort is part of a broader reform vision aimed at modernizing commercial infrastructure, improving service quality, and implementing innovative management practices.

Currently, Morocco boasts a network of 822 weekly markets, predominantly in rural areas (753) with a smaller presence in urban zones (69). The economic significance of these markets is underscored by municipal wholesale market revenues exceeding $41 million, with total transactions reaching $721 million annually. The initiative also addresses the structural enhancement of 30 structured fruit and vegetable markets, complemented by eight unstructured parallel markets.

In parallel, the Ministry of Interior is developing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the establishment and rehabilitation of wholesale markets. This framework will define essential facilities and services, aiming to streamline operations and overcome existing management challenges within the sector.

The government anticipates the completion of these initiatives in the coming months, marking a significant achievement in the revitalization and modernization of Morocco’s traditional markets. These efforts are expected to not only bolster the local economy but also strengthen the social fabric of communities reliant on these markets for livelihood and commerce.