Regional economic growth determinants in Morocco: Evidence from Panel Data

Abstract

The regional development strategy in Morocco is a major undertaking opened since the country’s independence. The main objective has always been to try to reduce inequalities in terms of development between the Moroccan regions and to improve the quality of life of the local population. Several territorial organizations, interventions and programs have been established, but they have not been able to achieve the expected results.

This article proposes to focus on the issue of territorial dynamics transposed to the case of Moroccan regions, particularly in terms of "economic growth" through panel data modeling during the period 2014-2020. The choice of this period is dictated by the context relating to the implementation of the regional development model, effectively introduced from 2015 in the light of a territorial reorganization. The main objective of the study is to identify the key factors that can explain the growth of the 12 Moroccan regions during this period through a choice of macroeconomic variables of an economic and social nature.