Editorial – Roadmap | L’Economiste

Fabrics, dyes, yarns… the development of the textile sector is still hampered by its heavy dependence on imported inputs. This structural vulnerability exposes the sector to external turbulence. This dependence on foreign suppliers has a direct impact on costs, lead times and hence the competitiveness of Made in Morocco. All the more so as a large proportion of added value is captured outside Morocco. This situation is coupled with the difficulty of encouraging the emergence of strong local brands.

Today, the sector is called upon to face up to this vulnerability, by pushing towards the establishment of an integrated ecosystem, from fiber to finished product, thus avoiding becoming trapped by the reputation of an activity based essentially on subcontracting. If we don’t move towards greater ecosystem integration, the Moroccan textile sector will remain fragile, dependent, and underperforming.

But if we are to make the transition from assembly textiles to a very high value-added activity based on sustainability and innovation, it is important to ensure greater industrial sovereignty. Particularly by securing inputs that can be supplied locally. Greater cross-sector coordination is not a luxury in this area. The agricultural sectors, for example, could offer part of the solution, by focusing on certain crops such as cotton, hemp, flax… in partnership with other stakeholders, via natural fiber valorization programs in particular.

The challenge is not insurmountable, provided that the necessary resources are mobilized to achieve the objectives of an integrated and competitive ecosystem, based on a clear and, above all, concerted roadmap.