A green transition that respects ecological balances and opens up new opportunities for creating wealth and sustainable jobs is now a major objective of the new strategic approaches to sustainable development being adopted by Morocco. The country is committed to mobilizing all stakeholders and building innovative public-private partnerships (PPPs) to increase environmentally friendly investments that can create added value and sustainable jobs.
Building a green economy will not happen without the establishment of innovative partnerships with the private sector, local communities and civil society. These partnerships should make it possible to mobilize the necessary investments and technological solutions, promote local skills and reinforce the commitment of all and solidarity. Eco-innovative SMEs will be the real drivers of the green economy. To this end, their capacities will have to be improved and they will have to benefit from new green financing tools and adapted support measures. Particular attention should be paid to the integration of the informal sector, given its importance. The level of commitment of Moroccan companies in favor of social responsibility (CSR), although still weak, is however one of the most advanced of Africa, the Maghreb and the Arab world. The role of the banking sector in financing the green economy will need to be strengthened; banks are called upon to develop financial products oriented towards the green economy.
The necessary improvement of the competitiveness of companies, in the context of a green economy with high added value, requires innovation and technological development. Also, the strengthening and adaptation of the national innovation system is a major challenge for the country, which ranks 84th out of 143 countries in the 2014 World Innovation Index, especially in terms of innovation in the business world and market sophistication. Financing allocated to scientific and technical research, mainly public, did not exceed 0.8% of GDP in 2010. The green economy will also require convergence and adaptation of policies and tools, including:
- Industrial policy and sustainable development practices within enterprises;
- Territorial policies;
- National training, education and innovation systems; and
- National information and training systems.