Who are our entrepreneurs?

The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the African Development Bank have jointly conducted a study to analyze the socio-demographic characteristics and intrinsic capacities of entrepreneurs, and the main constraints and needs in terms of support to create and develop their businesses. In particular, the study covered 9,085 people in 3,034 households, from which 2,297 entrepreneurs (established and potential) were identified, representing a population of 7.4 million individuals throughout Morocco.

-57% of established entrepreneurs do so out of necessity

The results show that the Kingdom has an entrepreneurial potential commensurate with its level of development. Indeed, this is estimated at 25% of the Moroccan population aged 18 and over, divided between 9% of established entrepreneurs and 16% of potential entrepreneurs who have initiated conceptual or concrete actions with a view to setting up a business.

The study reveals, however, that 57% of established entrepreneurs are doing so out of necessity, through micro and small enterprises in low-productivity sectors and activities (almost 50% are self-employed and 40% are entrepreneurs with up to three employees).

The study also shows that 22% of new businesses are run by women. And 44% of potential entrepreneurs are also women, reflecting their growing desire to get involved in this field.

Meanwhile, informal entrepreneurship stands at over 70% nationwide. The various laws and regulations (taxation, social charges, and administrative procedures) and the instability of economic activity are perceived as the main constraints to joining the formal economy.

On the other hand, access to health and pension cover is an incentive for entrepreneurs to formalize their activities, which reinforces the major project aiming at extending social protection.

In addition, the study confirms that entrepreneurship and the development of very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises (VSSMEs) represent an important source of short- and medium-term employment for the country. If only 5% of established and potential entrepreneurs were able to develop their businesses, this could generate an average of 100,000 jobs a year nationwide With this in mind, the study identified five pillars that should form the basis of a strategy to promote entrepreneurship in Morocco, namely: Markets; Support; Regulation; Education and Financing (M.A.R.E.F.).

Aziz DIOUF