Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Morocco appear to have recognized the stakes associated with ecological transition. According to a survey conducted by the European Investment Bank (EIB), as part of the Trade and Competitiveness Programme (TCP) co-funded by the European Union, nearly 70% of Moroccan SMEs are already engaged, to varying degrees, in a decarbonization process.
This survey, the third phase of the “EIB/EU Survey: The Challenges Facing SMEs in Morocco,” was carried out with 150 business leaders. It aims to identify the main obstacles SMEs face in enhancing their competitiveness within an increasingly global economic context characterized by low carbon production standards and the rise of digital technologies.
Specifically, 48% of the SMEs surveyed have already implemented concrete initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, while 22% have a clear strategy that they actively apply. Conversely, a minority is still in the intention phase: 29% of businesses declare they plan to take action soon, and only 1% indicate they do not foresee specific measures at this stage.
This dynamic aligns with Morocco’s national strategy for a low-carbon economy. It takes on an even more strategic dimension with the introduction, in 2026, of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Without efforts to reduce and measure their emissions, Moroccan SMEs integrated into the value chains of affected sectors—particularly steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen—risk seeing their competitiveness and exports to the EU impacted.
To support businesses in this transition, the Trade and Competitiveness Programme, in partnership with local financial institutions, is implementing targeted actions for SMEs. These initiatives focus on raising awareness of the environmental requirements of international markets and integrating decarbonization into business models, aiming to transform ecological constraints into competitive advantages.
With the support of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), the EIB has also developed a decarbonization guide for businesses to facilitate the understanding of challenges and the implementation of solutions tailored to their size and sector.
Simultaneously, the survey highlights advancements made in terms of digitalization. Nearly eight out of ten SMEs report having made efforts in this area, with 22% at a very advanced level and 57% at an intermediate level. Digitalization is primarily used to optimize operations, enhance marketing efforts, and support international expansion. Only one in ten SMEs still views the lack of digitalization as a major barrier to their development.
However, the surveyed leaders emphasize the need to strengthen investments in research and development, promote collaboration, and improve access to digital technologies, particularly through the expansion of credit systems and investment networks.
Finally, the study reveals that while a large majority of leaders believe existing support mechanisms in Morocco are generally sufficient, more than half think they could be improved. Expectations of international organizations mainly focus on support for innovation and ecological and digital transitions, assistance in exports and access to international markets, as well as training and capacity-building programs.
Overall, the survey results confirm that support for SMEs must be long-term, combining financing, skill development, and innovation support, to enable Moroccan businesses to sustainably adapt to the new economic and environmental demands.
