Casablanca – Morocco has seen a significant uptick in the establishment of new companies, with a total of more than 24,500 businesses created during the first quarter of 2024, according to the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC).
Distribution by entity type
The newly established companies are divided between legal entities and natural persons, with 17,948 being legal entities and 6,948 being natural persons. This distribution underscores the diverse nature of Morocco’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Sectoral breakdown
An analysis of the sectoral distribution reveals a clear dominance of the commercial sector, which accounts for 35.06% of the new companies. This is followed by:
– Construction, public works, and real estate: 18.85%
– Various services: 18.81%
– Transport: 8.22%
– Industries: 7.32%
– Hotels and restaurants: 5.55%
– Information and communication technology (ICT): 2.66%
– Financial activities: 1.96%
– Agriculture and Fishing: 1.58%
This sectoral variety highlights the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Morocco’s economic environment, with significant contributions from both traditional and emerging sectors.
Regional distribution
Regionally, the Casablanca-Settat area leads with 7,599 new companies, reflecting its status as Morocco’s primary economic hub. Following Casablanca-Settat are:
– Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima: 3,768 companies
– Rabat-Salé-Kénitra: 2,915 companies
– Marrakech-Safi: 2,813 companies
– Fès-Meknès: 1,738 companies
– Souss-Massa: 1,647 companies
– Oriental Region: 1,499 companies
– Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra: 995 companies
– Béni Mellal-Khénifra: 737 companies
– Drâa-Tafilalet: 600 companies
– Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab: 398 companies
– Guelmim-Oued Noun: 187 companies
This regional distribution underscores the widespread entrepreneurial activity across the country, with significant contributions from both major urban centers and more remote regions.
Legal form distribution
When looking at the legal form of the newly established companies, the data shows a preference for single-member limited liability companies (SARL AU), which constitute 65.6% of the new businesses. This is followed by:
– Limited Liability Companies (SARL): 33.8%
– Joint-Stock Companies (SA): 0.2%
The significant increase in new business creations in Morocco during the first quarter of 2024 highlights the country’s robust entrepreneurial spirit and the dynamic nature of its economy. With leading sectors such as commerce, construction, and services driving growth, and strong regional performances from areas like Casablanca-Settat and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Morocco is on track for continued economic expansion. The prevalence of limited liability companies further suggests a favorable business environment that supports both individual entrepreneurs and larger corporate entities.
