Casablanca – Morocco has continued to show remarkable entrepreneurial dynamism, with 61,178 new businesses established by the end of August 2024. This growth, as reported by the Moroccan Office for Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC), underscores the country’s robust economic environment and the increasing confidence in its business landscape.
Diverse business profiles
The newly established businesses are divided between 44,261 legal entities and 16,917 sole proprietorships, reflecting a significant preference for corporate structures. The dominance of legal entities highlights the growing trend toward formalized business operations in Morocco.
Sectoral distribution
Trade emerged as the leading sector, accounting for 34.64% of the total new businesses. This sectoral dominance is indicative of Morocco’s strong commercial networks and its position as a hub for regional trade. Following closely were construction and real estate activities at 19.16%, driven by the country’s ongoing infrastructure projects and real estate development initiatives.
Miscellaneous services ranked third with 18.77%, showcasing the diversification of business opportunities across various service-oriented industries. Other sectors contributing to Morocco’s business ecosystem included:
- Transport: 7.97%
- Industry: 7.32%
- Hotels and Restaurants: 5.66%
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): 2.78%
- Financial Activities: 2.09%
- Agriculture and Fishing: 1.61%
Regional leaders
Casablanca-Settat once again affirmed its status as Morocco’s economic powerhouse, leading with 19,361 new businesses, representing nearly one-third of the national total. Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima followed with 8,741 businesses, buoyed by the region’s thriving port activities and industrial zones.
Marrakech-Safi and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra also showed strong performances with 7,124 and 7,035 businesses, respectively. Other regions demonstrated noteworthy entrepreneurial efforts, including:
- Fès-Meknès: 4,232 businesses
- Souss-Massa: 4,099 businesses
- Oriental Region: 3,578 businesses
- Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra: 2,376 businesses
- Béni Mellal-Khénifra: 1,801 businesses
- Drâa-Tafilalet: 1,375 businesses
- Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab: 965 businesses
- Guelmim-Oued Noun: 491 businesses
Legal forms of new businesses
In terms of business structures, single-member limited liability companies (SARL AU) dominated with a 64.9% share, highlighting their appeal due to simplicity and flexibility. Multi-member limited liability companies (SARL) followed with 34.5%, reflecting the collaborative nature of many entrepreneurial ventures.
A reflection of economic dynamism
The consistent growth in new business creation demonstrates Morocco’s ongoing commitment to fostering a favorable business climate. Initiatives to streamline administrative procedures, coupled with the country’s strategic location and improving infrastructure, continue to attract entrepreneurs and investors alike.
While Casablanca-Settat leads the pack, other regions are also showcasing significant entrepreneurial activity, reflecting a more balanced economic development across the country. With strong sectoral diversity and regional participation, Morocco is paving the way for sustained economic growth and innovation.
As Morocco approaches the final quarter of 2024, it remains to be seen how these businesses will evolve and contribute to the nation’s economic landscape. However, the data so far paints an optimistic picture of the country’s business potential.
