Regional economic development in Morocco

Abstract This chapter examines the emergence of income and development disparities in Morocco, emphasizing the concentration of economic activity and population within a limited geographical area. These disparities are accompanied by significant intra-regional inequalities, particularly in income, education, and access to public services. The analysis explores interregional and sectoral interdependencies, offering structural insights into the productive dynamics of the Moroccan economy. Regional inequalities—especially between Morocco’s coastal regions, urban centers, and rural or peripheral areas—result from a complex interplay of historical legacies, geographic constraints, shifts in international trade and production networks, and government policies, including export-led industrialization. Drawing on economic history and global patterns, the chapter highlights how industrial agglomeration and urbanization can drive economic growth and structural transformation. However, these processes also pose substantial policy challenges, particularly in ensuring equitable development and resource distribution, and managing socioeconomic tensions.