A recent report by the World Bank has highlighted a significant disparity between the adoption of basic digital tools and advanced technologies among Moroccan companies. According to the report, 98.8% of companies in Morocco have adopted basic digital technologies in their administrative functions. This widespread adoption indicates that the first level of digitalization is now well-established in the country's business sector.
While a substantial proportion of companies have adopted basic digital tools, the use of more advanced technologies is relatively limited. The report notes that 31.7% of companies have adopted more advanced technologies, such as specialized software or integrated management systems. However, having these tools does not necessarily mean they are used intensively. The World Bank found that less than half of the companies that have adopted advanced technologies use them sufficiently to make them a primary function of the business.
The World Bank's report also emphasizes the importance of intensive use of technology in achieving significant productivity gains. According to the report, simply adopting new technologies does not lead to statistically significant gains in productivity. It is only when technology is used intensively that companies can expect to see substantial improvements in productivity.
The report also highlights a significant gap in the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. While 38.2% of companies use cloud computing, the adoption rate drops sharply for other advanced technologies. For example, only 9.4% of companies use additive manufacturing and 3D printing, 4.4% use robotics, and just 4.3% use Big Data and artificial intelligence.
The World Bank's survey also identified the main obstacle to the adoption of new technologies by Moroccan companies. According to the report, the cost of implementing these technologies is the primary barrier cited by companies. This suggests that many businesses in Morocco may be deterred from adopting advanced technologies due to concerns about the expense.
The data on technology adoption by Moroccan companies comes from the Firm Adoption of Technology Survey, conducted in 2024. The survey sampled a representative group of formal establishments in the industry and services sectors, employing at least five people. The results provide valuable insights into the current state of digitalization in Morocco's business sector.
The findings of the World Bank's report have important implications for the future of Morocco's economy. As the country continues to develop its digital infrastructure, it will be crucial for companies to move beyond basic digital tools and adopt more advanced technologies. This will require addressing the barriers to adoption, such as cost, and providing support for businesses to develop their digital capabilities.
Key points
- 98.8% of Moroccan companies have adopted basic digital tools, but only 4.3% use Big Data or AI.
- The cost of implementing new technologies is the primary barrier cited by Moroccan companies.
- Intensive use of technology is necessary to achieve significant productivity gains.
