Corruption in Morocco Costs Economy 5% of GDP, Study Reveals

The cost of corruption is estimated today at 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP), reports the newspaper Assabah, citing data that has just been released on the occasion of the first congress of the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Public Property (AMPBP). For the participants, corruption is the main scourge preventing the achievement of the challenges of sustainable development.

Accusing the public authorities of passivity and the squandering of taxpayers’ money, the participants consider that the scourge is not only an obstacle to the development of Morocco but also and above all a danger to the dignity of Moroccans and their freedom. To be convinced of this, they cite the kingdom’s ranking internationally: 123rd out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI).

And they warn that if the fight against corruption is not tackled head-on, it could lead to economic and social crises that could undermine Morocco’s stability. In addition to corruption, the association points to the rent economy and privileges as well as the passivity of the state on many issues, including land grabbing, the squandering of natural resources and public money, or financial crimes.

These ills could lead to unstable social situations such as an increase in illegal immigration, drug trafficking and even the risk of terrorism.

For the AMPBP, without real political will, it will be impossible to overcome corruption, even if the Moroccan authorities have ratified most of the international conventions.