Nearly 70% of Moroccan small and medium enterprises have initiated decarbonization efforts at varying levels while digitalization progresses at sustained pace, according to a European Investment Bank survey of 150 Moroccan SME leaders conducted within the EU-cofinanced Trade and Competitiveness Programme. The research examines principal obstacles confronting enterprises strengthening competitiveness amid global environments oriented toward low-carbon production standards and advanced digital technologies.
Results reveal 48% of SMEs already implemented initiatives while 22% maintain clear strategies applied actively. Additionally, 29% declare intentions implementing carbon footprint reduction measures shortly, with only 1% forecasting no specific actions. This challenge becomes increasingly strategic with 2026 EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) implementation.
“Without reduction and measurement approaches for their carbon footprint, Moroccan SMEs involved in value chains for CBAM-concerned products—steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, electricity, and hydrogen—risk decreased competitiveness and European Union exports,” the EIB warned. The Trade and Competitiveness Programme deploys SME-dedicated support sessions with local financial partner assistance, including market environmental requirement sensitization and decarbonization integration into business models, transforming ecological constraints into competitive advantages, particularly within export value chains.
Regarding digitalization, nearly eight in ten SMEs report digital usage efforts—very advanced levels for 22% of respondents or moderately advanced for 57%. Very advanced usage correlates with optimal digital tool utilization for operations, marketing, and international expansion optimization. Only one in ten SMEs considers digitalization lack a major development impediment.
The study highlights broadly shared perceptions. While nearly nine in ten SME leaders estimate Morocco’s support mechanisms sufficient, 53% declare they would benefit from improvements. Expectations toward international organizations prove particularly strong, prioritizing innovation support and digital-ecological transitions (72%), export support and international market access (67%), plus training and capacity-building programs (61%). Competency development accompaniment requests now exceed purely financial needs like direct grant financial aid (51%) or financing access facilitation (41%) through financial institution partnerships.
