Economic land in Fez: Experts and academics call for a structural reform to boost investment
The issue of commercial and industrial land, widely regarded as both a key driver and a major obstacle to investment, was at the center of an international conference held on December 19 and 20 at the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences (FSJES) in Fez. The event brought together academics, experts and practitioners to discuss legal and economic challenges hindering the effective use of land for productive purposes.
Organized by a research laboratory specializing in legal studies and digital transformation, in partnership with the FSJES and with the support of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University (USMBA), the conference aimed to propose concrete solutions to long-standing structural constraints affecting land governance in Morocco.
This scientific gathering was part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of USMBA, a major academic institution comprising 13 establishments, more than 100,000 students and a strong research ecosystem. During the opening session, university officials highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between academia and the socio-economic environment, emphasizing that such forums provide young researchers with direct access to high-level expertise.
Speakers stressed that land availability and regulation remain central to employment creation and economic development strategies. Discussions focused on evaluating the current regulatory framework and aligning future reforms with the new Investment Charter, particularly in order to reduce administrative complexity and the fragmentation of institutional responsibilities.
Experts also underlined the shortcomings of past urban planning policies, which have often prioritized housing at the expense of productive activities. According to several interventions, this imbalance has contributed to the expansion of informal economic zones and unregulated urban growth. Participants called for more flexible and forward-looking planning tools capable of responding to evolving economic needs and major national projects.
Field realities were another key topic, with researchers pointing to the scarcity and high cost of serviced industrial land, especially in the Fez-Meknes region. This situation has pushed many operators toward informal solutions, raising environmental and regulatory concerns.
From a legal perspective, the low rate of land registration was identified as a major barrier to investment security and access to financing. The coexistence of multiple legal regimes and outdated legislation further complicates land management and discourages private initiative.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants unanimously advocated for a comprehensive reform of the land system. Key recommendations included harmonizing legal frameworks, accelerating land registration, modernizing governance and strengthening coordination among public institutions to turn land into a true lever for sustainable economic development.
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