The 2015 Article IV Consultation discusses key issues related to the economic growth of Morocco. The macroeconomic situation of Morocco continues to improve. Although growth is recovering and should reach 4.7 percent in 2015, nonagricultural activity remains sluggish and inflation remains low. In 2016, growth will be affected by a base effect following the very good 2015 agricultural season, but a gradual recovery is expected in 2017. Although recent policy action and a more favorable external environment have yielded macroeconomic improvements, the reform needs to be maintained to secure longer-term stability and raise growth potential. Much remains to be done to secure higher and more inclusive growth.

Morocco 2040: Emerging by Investing in Intangible Capital documents the major economic and social strides made by Morocco over the past 15 years and analyzes the economic conditions for accelerating the pace of economic catch-up by 2040. A virtuous yet realistic scenario suggests that with higher productivity gains Morocco could double its current pace of convergence with Southern European countries. In one generation, Morocco’s standard of living could reach about 45 percent of that of Spain, its immediate Northern neighbor, compared to the current rate of 22 percent. To lay out the possible pathways for Morocco to become the first North African country to attain upper middle income status, the Book then investigates the policies that could bring about such a virtuous scenario of accelerated economic convergence. It shows that sustaining higher productivity gains for 25 years would require greater efforts at building Morocco’s institutional, human and social capital—what is also known as intangible capital. Accumulating such intangible capital necessarily take a number of different forms and the Book proposes a four-pronged approach. First, by strengthening Morocco’s market institutions for a more efficient allocation of capital and labor and international integration. Second, by strengthening Morocco’s public institutions to strengthen the rule of law and justice, modernize the public administration, and improve the quality of public service delivery. Third, by strengthening Morocco’s human capital, especially education, health and the development of early childhood. And fourth, by strengthening Morocco’s social capital through greater gender parity and increased interpersonal trust and civism in society. By placing more of a priority on its intangible capital, Morocco would be advancing a social contract based on the promotion of a more open society. It would be taking a route that is partly new, but which is also the logical outcome of many economic and social diagnoses and pressing calls for change.

Historical general study of Morocco from 1912 to 1962. Evolution of the social structure and demographic aspects. Changes in agriculture (land tenure, cultivation techniques, rural area living conditions and financing methods). Industrial development (mining industry, food industry and some manufacturing industry), and decline of traditional industry. Development of transport, trade and economy. Bibliography pp. 209 to 213. Maps.