Morocco's Initiative to Open Public Procurement to Small Enterprises
In a significant move to bolster the economy and support small businesses, Morocco is drafting a new decree aimed at reforming its public procurement processes. This initiative builds upon a previous overhaul implemented three years ago and is currently available for public consultation on the General Secretariat of the Government’s portal. The draft decree, as reported by Finances News Hebdo, seeks to enhance the framework established by decree 2-22-431, reflecting the government's commitment to adapting to the needs of both contracting authorities and service providers.
The proposed regulations are designed to address identified shortcomings from the past three years of implementation. They aim to clarify the responsibilities involved in the awarding and execution of contracts, streamline delegated project management, and rationalize purchases governed by common law. This reform is poised to reinforce legal certainty within the procurement framework, making it more transparent and accessible.
Strengthening Local Economies and Social Considerations
A notable aspect of the draft decree is its emphasis on the social and territorial dimensions of public procurement. It aims to prioritize tenders for services such as cleaning, security, and maintenance of government buildings by incorporating social criteria into the evaluation process. Additionally, the decree intends to favor businesses that are locally established, thereby stimulating regional economies, encouraging investment, and creating job opportunities in local communities.
Industry leaders have responded positively to these developments. El Mouloudi Benhamane, president of the National Federation of Building and Public Works, lauded the progress toward increased transparency and fairness in the procurement process. However, he also urged stakeholders to remain vigilant regarding the challenges posed by international competition, given that national firms often face formidable foreign counterparts with significant logistical and institutional support.
Furthermore, Mohamed Dahbi, president of the Association of Small Developers, expressed optimism about the new opportunities this decree presents for small businesses. Historically, many small firms have been relegated to subcontracting roles due to stringent requirements for financial stability and technical references. The new framework, however, allows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), micro-enterprises, and self-employed individuals to participate directly in bidding processes.
The decree also proposes increasing access thresholds to facilitate the involvement of smaller entities and establishes financial evaluation criteria that are neutral with respect to fiscal disparities, including value-added tax regimes. This approach aims to eliminate competitive distortions and ensure that all bidders have an equal opportunity. By fostering a more inclusive procurement landscape, Morocco is taking substantial steps toward empowering small businesses and enhancing economic resilience.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
