According to en.hespress.com, Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco’s central bank, has unveiled a national supply chain finance strategy with an estimated market potential of $8 billion (80 billion dirhams), targeting improved funding access for businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—and stronger liquidity management across domestic value chains.
Joint Initiative with Multilateral Support
The strategy was announced on Tuesday, 22 April 2026, at Bank Al-Maghrib’s headquarters in Casablanca, as part of a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Bank Al-Maghrib, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Abderrahim Bouazza, director general of Bank Al-Maghrib, stated the initiative marks “a new step in modernizing Morocco’s productive sector and enhancing its competitiveness.” He emphasized that supply chain finance introduces innovative tools to improve business relationships, assess risks, and reduce payment delays.
“Supply chain finance offers innovative tools to improve business relationships, assess risks and reduce payment delays.” — Abderrahim Bouazza, Director General, Bank Al-Maghrib
Three-Pillar Implementation Framework
Bachir Mohamed Tarik, director of treasury and external finance at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, described the strategy as a “strategic lever” to strengthen SME resilience amid persistent structural challenges—including late payments. The plan rests on three pillars:
- Expanding existing supply chain finance offerings
- Developing innovative digital solutions adapted to the Moroccan market
- Integrating international transactions and participatory finance
Nouar Riad, advisory services manager for financial institutions in North, West and Central Africa at the IFC, noted that SMEs represent more than 99% of Morocco’s businesses and 72% of formal employment, yet continue to face limited financing access and liquidity constraints. According to the report, current utilization of supply chain finance remains low compared to international standards—despite the $8 billion potential market size.
Digital Infrastructure and Governance
A planned national digital platform will connect suppliers, buyers, and banks to enhance cash flow management and deliver flexible, SME-tailored financing. Several implementation models—including public-private partnerships—are under evaluation. The strategy builds on recent Moroccan financial reforms: electronic invoicing, digital payments, and a national movable collateral registry.
Financial tools included in the rollout encompass invoice discounting, reverse factoring, inventory financing, and pre-shipment financing—all enabling firms to secure funding based on commercial relationships rather than traditional collateral requirements. Implementation will be guided by a governance framework featuring a joint steering committee, a dedicated program management unit, and specialized working groups.
The initiative is expected to foster a more inclusive financial system, support domestic value chains, and unlock financing for SMEs—contributing to broader economic growth and Morocco’s regional and global competitiveness. According to the source, it may also help businesses better withstand geopolitical and logistical disruptions.
Source: en.hespress.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
