Corruption in Morocco: figures revealing the extent of the damage

The obtaining of approvals, licenses and exceptional permits, public procurement and employment are the areas most exposed to corruption. The study, based on a sample of 1,100 companies, reveals that 57% of corruption cases concern the obtaining of authorizations, 51% public procurement and 50% hiring, appointment and promotion in the private sector, indicates the newspaper Al Akhbar.

Nearly 70% of the companies surveyed believe that corruption is widespread or very widespread in Morocco. This perception is contrasted by that of a minority (8%) who do not share this assessment.

The study also points out that state aid to companies and private companies (42%) and purchases and supplies in the private sector (28%) are perceived as sources of corruption.

Regarding the perception of the evolution of corruption, 45% of companies believe that it has increased over the past two years, while 27% observe a downward trend.

The study points to the low rate of reporting of cases of corruption. Indeed, 23% of companies said they had been victims of corruption in the past 12 months, but only 3% of them reported it. The ineffectiveness of filing complaints, the underestimation of the seriousness of corruption and the fear of retaliation are the main reasons given to explain this silence.

The INPPLC emphasizes the need to strengthen the mechanisms to fight corruption, in particular by improving the legal and institutional framework, raising awareness among public and private actors and encouraging reporting.