Morocco has witnessed the establishment of 60,908 new businesses during the first seven months of 2024, according to data from the Moroccan Office for Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC). This represents a 7.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023, when 65,754 businesses were registered. The majority of these new businesses, 75%, were registered as legal entities, while 25% were individual enterprises.
The Casablanca-Settat region led the way in terms of new business registrations, accounting for 39.3% of all new businesses. The Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region followed closely, with 14.5% of new registrations, while the Marrakech-Asafi region accounted for 12.3%. The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region also saw significant growth, with 10.8% of new businesses.
In terms of business structure, 65% of new businesses opted for the limited liability company (SARL AU) format, while 33.9% chose the SARL format. During the same period, the OMPIC issued 77,883 negative certificates for commercial names. This development indicates a growing entrepreneurial spirit in Morocco.
Meanwhile, data from Inforisk shows that bankruptcy cases in Morocco decreased to 15,307 in 2023, representing a 3.3% decline from 2022. This downward trend is a welcome respite for the country's economy, which has been working to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Casablanca-Settat region had the highest number of bankruptcy cases, accounting for 29% of the total.
The sectors most affected by bankruptcy were trade, real estate, construction, and public works. However, Inforisk expects bankruptcy cases to stabilize at around 15,300 in 2024 and decrease further to 14,300 in 2025. Allianz Trade also predicts a decline in bankruptcy cases, with an estimated 14,950 cases in 2024.
Despite these positive trends, experts warn of the risks associated with "zombie companies," which are businesses that are technically insolvent but continue to operate. The Moroccan tax authorities have identified over 300,000 such companies, which can pose a threat to the country's economic stability.
The Moroccan economy is showing signs of resilience, with a growing number of new businesses and a decline in bankruptcy cases. However, experts stress the need for continued support and reforms to ensure the long-term sustainability of this growth. The government's efforts to promote entrepreneurship and improve the business environment will be crucial in driving Morocco's economic development.
Key points
- Morocco saw 61,000 new business registrations in the first 7 months of 2024.
- Bankruptcy cases decreased by 3.3% in 2023, with 15,307 cases recorded.
- Experts warn of risks associated with "zombie companies," which can threaten economic stability.
