Casablanca – Morocco’s regional economic accounts for 2023 reveal a national economy that grew steadily while continuing to grapple with unequal distribution of wealth across regions. According to data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the economy expanded by 3.7% in real terms. At current prices, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached about $152.6 billion, up 11% compared to 2022.

Regions with strongest growth

Although the national growth rate stood at 3.7%, five regions outperformed the average.

  • Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab recorded the highest growth rate at 10.1%. This surge was primarily supported by the fishing industry and reinforced by construction and public works. The region’s geographic location and recent infrastructure investment further enhanced its role as a developing economic hub.
  • Fès-Meknès posted growth of 8.9%, driven by strong agricultural production and services. Favorable weather conditions and the expansion of local services contributed significantly to this outcome.
  • Marrakech-Safi achieved growth of 6.3%. The rebound of the hospitality and restaurant sectors, reflecting a strong tourism recovery, was the main driver of expansion.
  • Casablanca-Settat, Morocco’s most industrialized region, grew by 5%. This performance was anchored in manufacturing, services, and its continued role as the country’s financial and economic center.
  • Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima saw growth of 4.9%, with industrial activity and services consolidating its role as a northern economic hub.

These results highlight Morocco’s diverse regional strengths, from tourism and agriculture to industry and maritime activities.

Regional contribution to GDP

Wealth creation in Morocco remains concentrated in a few areas. In 2023, three regions together produced 58.5% of national GDP:

  • Casablanca-Settat generated $49.2 billion, representing 32.2% of the national economy.
  • Rabat-Salé-Kénitra contributed $23.9 billion, or 15.7%.
  • Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima added $16.2 billion, or 10.6%.

The combined share of Marrakech-Safi, Fès-Meknès, Souss-Massa, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, and the Oriental region was 33.8%. Meanwhile, Drâa-Tafilalet and the three southern regions together accounted for only $11.6 billion, or 7.6% of national GDP.

Uneven economic performance

The report also showed disparities in regional dynamics. While some regions surged ahead, others registered slower progress or even contraction.

  • Béni Mellal-Khénifra experienced a GDP decline of 1.3%.
  • The Oriental region contracted by 1%.

Both regions are heavily dependent on agriculture and suffered from weak crop yields.

Other regions posted growth below the national average, such as:

  • Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra at 2.9%.
  • Souss-Massa at 1.8%.
  • Rabat-Salé-Kénitra at 0.7%.
  • Guelmim-Oued Noun at 1.2%.
  • Drâa-Tafilalet at 1.5%.

These figures illustrate the uneven economic resilience across the country.

Expanding regional disparities

The average absolute gap between regional GDP and the national regional GDP average widened in 2023. It increased from $7.6 billion in 2022 to $8.6 billion in 2023. This means that differences in economic weight among regions are growing, despite overall national progress.

Balancing growth with equity

The HCP’s findings underline the contrast between Morocco’s regional growth leaders and those left behind. While Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab, Casablanca-Settat, and Marrakech-Safi are seeing significant momentum, other regions dependent on agriculture remain exposed to volatility.

For policymakers, the challenge is to support more balanced territorial development. This could involve diversifying economies in lagging regions, improving infrastructure, and reducing dependence on climate-sensitive activities.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Morocco’s ability to consolidate growth will depend on reinforcing industrial clusters, sustaining the tourism rebound, and modernizing agriculture. Addressing disparities between prosperous and struggling regions will be crucial to ensure long-term stability and more inclusive growth.

The 2023 regional accounts show that while Morocco’s economy is expanding steadily, ensuring equitable development across all parts of the country remains an unfinished task.