Rabat – The International Finance Corporation (IFC) issued a detailed report, stressing the importance of the Cultural, Creative Industries (CCIs) in Morocco.
IFC acknowledged that, despite the strong potential of these sectors in contributing to Morocco’s economic growth, job creation, and cultural promotion, the CCIs remain underfinanced.
“In leading markets, the sector drives between 2-7 % of GDP,” IFC said, recalling that CCI’s contribution to Morocco’s GDP stands at 2.4%.
The contribution is aligned with capital-intensive sectors like transport and logistics, the report said.
“In 2021, CCIs received less than 0.5 percent of all business credit—one of the lowest among all sectors,” IFC’s detailed report noted.
It added that only 3 % of creative businesses have access to credit, forcing most to rely almost entirely on their own funds.
Key demand- and supply-side financing challenges include different issues, including fear of debt, mistrust, as well as heavy reliance on savings and family loans.
IFC also issued a series of recommendations seeking to establish a “unified and supportive environment” to address different challenges.
Among the recommendations IFC issued is a push for developing a national strategy for the sector, describing this phase as essential for CCI.
“The strategy should include objectives, actions, and a roadmap to unify efforts across government, industry players, and financial institutions, delivering short-term results while shaping a transformative, long-term vision,” IFC recommended.
The recommendations also include strengthening the institutional framework, encouraging coordination among stakeholders, and the sector.
“Regular stakeholder engagement ensures the insights of industry players inform the development of effective policies,” the report read, emphasizing the importance of straightening governance and regulatory frameworks.
IFC’s report also recommended establishing robust governance structures and policies that support CCIs, while also developing a legal framework for cultural enterprises.
“ Address the issue of informality by simplifying access to education, financial services (such as mobile money), and tax processes,” the report said.
The Moroccan government has been pledging efforts seeking to address challenges facing the sector.
In GITEX Africa 2026, Morocco’s Secretariat of State in charge of handicrafts announced the launch of digitization, training, and support programs for artisans.
The initiative, according to the secretariat, is part of the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed with Mastercard, the Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire, and M2T in May last year.
The goal of the initiative is to accelerate the digitalization of the handicrafts sector.
In March, the government said the sector reached a milestone last year, with exports climbing to $130 million.
This number compares with $84.13 million recorded last year.
