Ramadan’s Mixed Economic Impact on Morocco: Boom for Some Sectors, Bust for Others

With the changes in consumption habits recorded during this Ramadan month, as well as the preventive measures put in place, several sectors have been impacted. "The peak in food consumption during Ramadan benefits large stores, weekly and daily markets, grocery stores but also - if we exclude this exceptional period of pandemic and health crisis - cafes and restaurants and night entertainment," said economist Abdelghani Youmn in a statement to MAP, stressing that the transport, luxury hotel and non-traditional clothing sectors are the most impacted.

The sacred month, although having impacted the economy, had its positive effects on the spiritual level, the economist estimated. Despite the difficulties encountered in the calculations, the strong consumption has led to a 37% increase in food demand, the Map points out. This has led to a rise in the prices of certain foods, not to be confused with inflation, confirmed the HCP.

However, with regard to the consequences of the sacred month on productivity, there is no need to oppose spirituality and productivity, or economy and religion. But, it is important to know that during the sacred month, productivity drops between 20% and 30%, according to a study by the BBC. Moreover, productivity in Morocco drops during this month and the activity loses a lot of time and income. But, "let’s admit it, it is not Ramadan that should be blamed, but rather the habits and behaviors that set in during this sacred month, not to mention the lack of sleep caused by the night vigils that affect the biological clock and changes in the diet," said the economist.

Furthermore, work ethic and the duty to correct the income of work by the counterpart quantity of hours offered do not go against religious duties. "The latter should no longer serve as an alibi for not fulfilling the civic duties of contributing to the production of added value and the development of the country," he said.