In Morocco, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is no longer just a superficial discourse. It has now become a strategic imperative, driven by the Kingdom’s commitments to sustainable development and the new requirements of international trade.
Since the launch in 2021 of the National Sustainable Development Strategy for 2030, the State has been multiplying initiatives to encourage companies to integrate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria into their business model. This dynamic, supported by economic reforms and adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), necessitates a redefinition of the company’s role in society.
CSR, a passport for internationalization
The internationalization of Moroccan companies has transformed CSR into a genuine competitiveness criterion. At a time when Europe is tightening its social and environmental standards, compliance with international standards—such as the ISO 26000 standard—has become a key to accessing markets. CSR can no longer be seen as a communication tool; it is now a factor of differentiation and value in its own right.
This compliance requirement has a direct corollary: companies must integrate the social and ecological impacts of their activities into their overall strategy, which also helps to enhance their reputation. The link between brand image and societal commitment is now recognized by both partners and consumers.
An evolving ecosystem
On the ground, several large Moroccan companies are setting an example. OCP, for instance, stands out for its investments in renewable energy and projects with a strong societal impact. Other initiatives, such as the United Nations Global Compact, which brings together more than 120 Moroccan companies, illustrate this desire to align with universal principles regarding human rights, the environment, and the fight against corruption.
The agricultural sector is also making progress. The Green Morocco Plan has enabled the gradual integration of sustainable practices and the improvement of living conditions in rural areas, particularly through better inclusion of small farms in the value chain.
SMEs in difficulty
However, the widespread adoption of CSR remains a challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that represent the bulk of the national economic fabric. Often hindered by a lack of human and financial resources, they struggle to formalize their commitments. Frameworks like the CGEM CSR Charter provide guidance but are not sufficient to overcome all obstacles. Fiscal incentives, targeted support programs, and skills development are necessary to fully include SMEs in this dynamic.
Towards a sustainable and inclusive economy
The regulatory framework surrounding CSR is also strengthening. The framework law 99-12, which establishes the National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development, introduces an obligation to consider ecological considerations in economic activity. Actors like the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment also play a key role in raising awareness and mobilizing companies.
In summary, Morocco seems to be embarking on a profound transformation towards a more responsible economic model. But to succeed in this transition, it will be necessary to combine public commitments with mobilization of the private sector, placing SMEs at the heart of the ecosystem. For it is in the alliance between innovation, sustainability, and inclusion that the true potential of CSR in Morocco lies.
With ALM