Supreme Council of Accounts: 56% of Moroccans are Digital Illiterate

Rabat – The digital illiteracy rate in Morocco stands at 56%, according to data from the National Transportation Regulatory Agency for the year 2021, as cited by Morocco’s Supreme Council of Accounts in its annual report 2022-2023.

According to the assessment by the Supreme Council of Accounts, the North African country’s digital growth faces obstacles in closing the gap in technology and attaining inclusivity.

The report highlighted that a section of the population lacks the information technology required to access the digital world, which poses a hurdle to digital development in the Kingdom.

In percentage terms, about 17% of the population does not own a phone capable of utilizing the latest generation internet network.

The report also mentioned the issue of unequal access to the network as a result of its absence, poor performance, or expensive cost.

Other challenges, according to the same source, include poor configuration in the digital field for users.

On the other hand, the National Transportation Regulatory Agency’s report stated that the digital divide is a barrier to the growth of online services and the public’s usage of them.

Because of challenges including the lack of assurances protecting their rights and personal information, individuals turn to intermediaries, whether certified or not, to enable them to take advantage of internet services.

The report highlighted that there has been a minor evolution over time in both fixed-line and high speed Internet.

By the end of 2021, 6.8% of people were using fixed Internet access, 94% were using mobile devices to connect to the Internet, and 54% were using ADSL connections.

A total of 48% of Morocco is covered by mobile internet coverage, serving 96% of the population with the fourth generation (4G) high-speed Internet, while the second generation (2G) network covers 67%.

Despite these figures, the Council found that a large number of public or private organizations had issues with the caliber of the network and the services rendered by telecommunications contractors.

The Council brought up the fact that certain places, although being close to metropolitan centers, remain underserved by telecom networks and are instead served by satellite.

It went on to say that information on territorial communities’ digital transformation reveals that 15% of municipal offices lacked Internet access in 2021 and that there are issues with coverage and network quality while using agricultural equipment.