Souss-Massa Raises Its Voice: Regional Trade Seeks Its Place in Morocco 2030 Vision
The second regional trade forum, held in Agadir last night, confirmed that the Souss-Massa region continues to rely heavily on the commercial sector as a fundamental pillar of the local economy, despite the increasing challenges it faces. The event, organized in preparation for the “Morocco Trade 2030” vision, served as a platform to articulate the expectations of professionals and highlight the unique characteristics of the regional trade fabric, ahead of the anticipated national forum in Marrakech.
The scale of the sector in the region reflects its economic weight, encompassing more than 120,000 commercial units and providing over 250,000 jobs, making it one of the key drivers of economic activity. However, this strong presence does not conceal accumulated vulnerabilities linked to the rapid digital transformation, the pressure of competition from large retail chains, as well as the expansion of the informal sector and difficulties in accessing financing.
Discussions at the forum focused on the need to accelerate the modernization of the sector, particularly through the integration of digitalization in distribution chains, while emphasizing the importance of supporting small traders with training and financial incentives. The issue of financial inclusion was also raised as a key lever to ensure the sustainability of commercial activities by facilitating access to loans and expanding social coverage amidst profound changes in consumption patterns.
Conversely, issues of urban planning and commercial infrastructure emerged as some of the most prominent challenges, especially in rural areas where poor road connectivity and the lack of organized commercial spaces raise concerns about spatial equity. There was also a reiterated call to review the regulatory framework governing the sector in order to achieve a balance between regulating the sector and combating chaos, ensuring fair competition, with a view to shaping a national vision that considers regional specificities and grants them real weight in decision-making.
