Strengthening National Statistical Governance in Morocco
The Moroccan government has approved a significant reform bill aimed at transforming the High Commission for Planning into a more autonomous and effective body dedicated to strategic oversight and coordination of national development policies. This initiative reflects royal directives for enhancing the efficacy of public policies in light of the new development model.
A New Framework for Planning
The bill presented by Interior Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi seeks to restructure the High Commission for Planning (HCP) to establish it as a body characterized by operational independence and enhanced governance. This reform aims not only to produce national statistics but also to play a vital role in strategizing and evaluating development policies. Such initiatives are instrumental for Morocco, given the pressing need for robust data-driven decision-making in an ever-evolving economic landscape.
Expanding the HCP’s Role
Under the new framework, the HCP will operate on principles of impartiality and integrity, employing scientific criteria and modern evaluation tools to bolster the credibility of Morocco’s statistical system. The commission will no longer limit its functions to just statistical production and dissemination but will actively support the strategic coordination of development policies, ensuring alignment with regional and national objectives.
The proposed bill introduces two functional poles within the HCP: one focused on statistical production and the other on strategic development policy coordination. Each pole will be led by directors appointed by royal decree, further underscoring the importance of governance in this evolving institutional landscape.
Enhanced Governance and Reporting
To fortify the institution’s governance, the bill establishes a Board of Directors. This board will include the HCP Commissioner, the heads of the two functional poles, and experts in statistics and policy evaluation, alongside state representatives. This structure aims to ensure comprehensive oversight of the HCP’s operations and initiatives.
Additionally, an ongoing consultative body is to be created to facilitate data exchange between the HCP and various public bodies responsible for producing official statistics. This initiative is expected to promote the reliability and coherence of statistical data while ensuring a smooth flow of information critical for national planning.
The reform mandates the HCP to produce an annual report detailing its activities. This report will be submitted for royal approval, with copies shared with both houses of Parliament for legislative discussion—demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Ensuring Continuity and Compliance
As part of this transition, the bill includes provisions for the automatic transfer of employees from existing HCP branches to the new structure, safeguarding their rights and benefits until the new system is fully operational. This approach is essential, ensuring that experienced personnel remain engaged in the evolution of the HCP.
Moreover, the HCP will integrate the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics and the School of Information Sciences, although current regulatory frameworks will remain in effect until new legislation is implemented.
In a further step towards reinforcing Morocco’s statistical framework, the bill obligates all producers of official statistics—including state administrations and public institutions—to provide the HCP with necessary data upon request, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in statistical accuracy.
A Vision for the Future
This comprehensive reform is anchored in the directives of the royal speech during the opening of the legislative year on October 8, 2021, calling for significant changes within the HCP. It reflects a commitment to aligning with best international practices in statistics while fostering coherence among public policies. As Morocco navigates significant economic, social, and digital transitions, the strengthened HCP will be crucial in improving the quality of public decision-making, ultimately positioning the nation towards sustainable development.
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