Rabat – In 2022, Morocco’s economic landscape revealed significant regional disparities, with nearly 60% of the nation’s wealth concentrated in just three regions: Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, according to data released by the High Commission for Planning (HCP).
Leading the economic charge, Casablanca-Settat alone accounted for 31.4% of the national wealth, underscoring its role as the country’s economic powerhouse.
Trailing behind, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra contributed 16.1%, while Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima added 10.4% to the national total.
Together, these regions generated a combined 57.9% of Morocco’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices, solidifying their dominance in the national economy.
The HCP’s report also highlights the contributions of other regions, with Marrakech-Safi, Fès-Meknès, Souss-Massa, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, and the Oriental collectively responsible for 33.5% of the GDP.
In contrast, the less economically vibrant regions of Drâa-Tafilalet and the three southern regions together accounted for only 7.9% of the GDP.
This concentration of wealth has exacerbated regional economic disparities, with the average absolute gap between regional GDPs widening from MAD 72 billion (approximately $7.3 million) in 2021 to MAD 73.1 billion (approximately $7.4 million) in 2022, according to the HCP. This growing divide is further reflected in the varied GDP growth rates across regions.
While the national economy recorded a modest growth rate of 1.5% in 2022, only four regions surpassed this figure: Souss-Massa (7.5%), Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (5.2%), Marrakech-Safi (4.6%), and Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra (2.9%).
Meanwhile, six other regions posted positive growth rates, albeit below the national average, with Casablanca-Settat managing a mere 0.2% increase.
However, not all regions fared well. Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Fès-Meknès experienced economic contractions, with GDPs shrinking by 4.7% and 1.9%, respectively.
Overall, Morocco’s GDP in 2022 reached MAD 1,296 billion (approximately $130 million) in volume, marking a 1.5% growth from the previous year. At current prices, the GDP totaled MAD 1,330.5 billion (approximately $133 million), reflecting a 4.2% increase.
