With an Annual Cost of $5 Billion, Corruption in Morocco Deepens Inequality and Stifles Reform

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 31st, 2025 — Morocco finds itself grappling with a deep-rooted corruption crisis, with annual losses reaching a staggering $5 billion, according to the head of the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention, and Fight Against Corruption, Bachir Rachdi. The alarming figures, revealed in an interview with a Moroccan weekly that dedicated its front page to the corruption dossier, underscore the systemic nature of graft, particularly in public procurement, licensing, and employment. State-owned institutions top the list of the most corrupt sectors, reflecting an entrenched culture of impunity that continues to undermine the country’s economic and social fabric.

In a previous report, the Moroccan anti-corruption body lamented that corruption in the country is not merely a matter of statistics or reports but rather a structural crisis fueled by the lack of political will for genuine reform. The regime’s response has been telling: instead of bolstering anti-corruption measures, the authorities have slashed the watchdog agency’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year. Additionally, the entity has come under direct attack in parliament and state-aligned media, exposing an orchestrated campaign of retaliation against those who dare to expose endemic graft, even if they occupy official oversight roles.

Rachdi has repeatedly sounded the alarm, emphasizing that corruption is no longer just an ethical or legal issue but a direct impediment to Morocco’s development and stability. He warned that its economic toll is immense, leading to resource misallocation, declining investment, stagnating productivity, and exacerbating social inequalities. Yet, the system remains shielded, with high-ranking officials implicated in corruption scandals, while the regime ensures legal immunity for offenders, criminalizes whistleblowing, and silences voices speaking out against the blatant abuse of power.

Local media reports have directed sharp criticism at the Moroccan parliament, which, in theory, should serve as a bastion of transparency and oversight. However, dozens of lawmakers have been implicated in corruption and embezzlement scandals, further eroding public trust in the institution. The latest government reshuffle has only reinforced the perception of cronyism, as ministerial appointments appear to serve as political bargaining chips rather than merit-based selections. The overlap between power and financial interests has cemented a system where governance is dictated by elite deal-making rather than national interest.

Observers concur that Morocco’s political landscape mirrors the pervasiveness of corruption at all levels. While the government and parliament remain embroiled in internal conflicts over the anti-corruption body’s revelations, it is ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of systemic fraud and mismanagement. Human rights activists have repeatedly denounced the growing influence of corruption in the kingdom, arguing that state institutions, particularly the Ministry of Justice, have become safe havens for those who plunder public funds while clamping down on dissenting voices.

Mohamed El Ghalloussi, president of the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Public Funds, echoed these concerns at a recent press conference. He warned that the country is facing an existential crisis, with institutional corruption reaching an alarming scale that threatens both the state and society. He called for an urgent crackdown on financial crimes, demanding an end to impunity, the criminalization of illicit enrichment and conflicts of interest, and the confiscation of ill-gotten wealth from corrupt officials.

El Ghalloussi further accused the authorities of restricting civic and political freedoms to serve vested interests, stating that the ruling elites have erected legal and institutional barriers to shield their economic monopolies and maintain a status quo that benefits the privileged few at the expense of the masses. In a system where power and wealth are increasingly intertwined, the battle against corruption in Morocco remains an uphill struggle, with the regime’s reluctance to enact reforms serving as a testament to its complicity in perpetuating a culture of impunity.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube