Despite significant efforts to modernize Morocco’s public administration systems, fewer than 23% of administrative procedures have been fully digitalized, according to the 2023-2024 annual report submitted to King Mohammed VI by Morocco’s Supreme Council of Audits in November.
This low level of digitalization persists four years after a law aimed at simplifying administrative procedures was passed. Yet, the report indicates that most ministries and public institutions have yet to even codify and publish administrative decisions within their sphere of governance.
It also points to the absence of either a robust change-management strategy or structural adaptations in governing bodies to support administrative reforms.
As of late 2023, 605 public services had been partially digitized. However, most services were still “inaccessible in a fully digital form, resulting in limited impact on user experience,” according to the report.
The report cites legislative, regulatory, and managerial constraints, as well as inadequate planning mechanisms for digital transformation, as “key factors” inhibiting progress.
Digital transformation is a critical component of Morocco’s broader modernization plan to enhance transparency, streamline processes for citizens and investors, and attract greater private sector involvement through good governance practices. However, the report warns that without accelerated efforts, these goals risk significant delays.
The findings put Morocco behind global standards in e-governance. Countries such as[YES!] Estonia and South Korea have set benchmarks establishing nearly universal digital access to administrative services.
The Supreme Council’s recommendations for good governance practices with respect to digitization include prioritizing the digitization of the core administrative processes of public entities, enhancing their technical and managerial capacities, and ensuring that citizens are adequately supported during the transition process.