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70% of Moroccan Small and Medium Enterprises Engage in Carbon Reduction Efforts
A survey conducted by the European Investment Bank, as part of a trade and competitiveness program funded in partnership with the European Union, has revealed that approximately 70% of Moroccan small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are already engaged in carbon reduction initiatives, with varying degrees of intensity and methods across different companies.
The European Investment Bank, in a statement, noted that this survey represents the third in a series focused on the “Challenges Facing Small and Medium Enterprises in Morocco.” It included 150 managers, with the aim of understanding the obstacles these companies face in enhancing their competitiveness amid a global economy moving towards low-carbon production and the adoption of advanced digital technologies.
The survey showed that 48% of these enterprises have implemented tangible carbon reduction initiatives, while 22% have a clear strategy being actively applied. Meanwhile, 29% expressed a desire to adopt measures soon, although only 1% stated that they have no intention of taking steps in this direction.
This trend gains strategic importance with the upcoming implementation of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 2026. Enterprises involved in the value chains of affected products (steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen) may face competitiveness risks and declining exports to European markets if they do not reduce their carbon footprints.
To facilitate this transition, the trade and competitiveness program, supported by local partners, is organizing orientation sessions for SMEs to enhance their awareness of environmental requirements and integrate carbon reduction into their business models. Additionally, the European Investment Bank, in collaboration with the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, has launched a dedicated guide for carbon reduction.
On the digitalization front, nearly eight out of ten enterprises reported making progress, with 22% at an advanced level and 57% at an average level, enabling improved operations, marketing, and international expansion. Only one enterprise stated that a lack of digitalization hinders its development.
The survey highlighted that Moroccan enterprises are eager to enhance innovation and digital and ecological transitions (72%), export support (67%), as well as training and capacity-building programs (61%). It emphasized the need for support to combine finance, skills enhancement, and innovation to ensure the sustainability of their success.
