The Moroccan government has launched an ambitious initiative to restructure public establishments and enterprises (EEPs), aiming to streamline operations, enhance governance, and make better use of state resources.
The move, announced on 18 August, is part of a broader strategy to improve economic performance and financial transparency across the public sector.
The reform, spearheaded by the National Agency for the Strategic Management of State Participations (ANGSPE) in collaboration with relevant supervisory ministries, focuses on reducing overlapping functions, merging select entities, and refocusing EEPs on their core strategic missions.
Officials say the objective is to improve profitability, minimise quasi-fiscal risks, and channel investment into priority sectors.
“The restructuring will allow public enterprises to operate more efficiently, focus on their strategic mandates, and deliver better value to citizens,” an ANGSPE spokesperson said.
Observers note that the success of the programme will hinge on fostering a strong performance culture within EEPs, with clear programme contracts and systematic monitoring. A recent World Bank report highlighted longstanding governance challenges in Morocco’s public sector, including weak accountability and fragmented responsibilities, issues this restructuring seeks to address.
While the government has promised swift implementation, the plan has prompted concerns among trade unions over potential job losses and reduced public services in certain regions. To mitigate social tensions, authorities are reportedly considering retraining and staff mobility programmes for those affected.
“This reform is essential for modernising public sector governance and ensuring that state enterprises contribute effectively to national development,” an economic analyst commented.
Similar initiatives in other countries have demonstrated that careful management of public sector restructuring can improve performance and reduce the fiscal burden on the state, but success depends on transparent processes, clear performance indicators, and sustained political will.
The Moroccan government’s restructuring drive underscores a renewed focus on efficiency, accountability, and strategic management within state enterprises, marking a significant step toward modernising the country’s public administration framework.
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