Morocco approves regional governance reform with expanded funding model

Thursday 11 June 2026 - 14:03

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco approves regional governance reform with expanded funding model

Morocco has approved a new legal framework aimed at reshaping regional governance and strengthening the country’s decentralization policy through expanded financial transfers and revised institutional roles.

The House of Councillors adopted draft organic law No. 031.26, which amends the existing legal structure governing Morocco’s regions. The reform seeks to enhance the role of regional authorities in economic and social development while improving administrative efficiency and coordination between institutions.

The government describes the measure as part of a broader advanced regionalization strategy designed to improve local governance and reduce territorial inequalities. The reform introduces clearer distribution of responsibilities between central and regional bodies, with the goal of limiting institutional overlap and accelerating project delivery at the regional level.

A key component of the legislation focuses on institutional restructuring, including changes to Regional Project Execution Agencies, which will be converted into joint-stock companies. Authorities present this shift as a way to improve management standards, increase operational flexibility, and strengthen accountability in project execution.

Financial reform also forms a central pillar of the new law. Annual transfers to regions are set to reach at least 12 billion dirhams from 2027, a move intended to align funding with newly assigned responsibilities. Officials argue that decentralization cannot succeed without sufficient financial resources to support regional mandates.

The reform further emphasizes alignment between regional competencies and available resources. It also aims to reinforce planning mechanisms linked to national development programs designed to promote integrated territorial growth and improve public service delivery.

Parliamentary debate reflected both support and criticism. Supporters highlighted improved governance tools and stronger investment capacity at the regional level. Some opposition voices warned that certain administrative procedures may still limit full autonomy and maintain elements of central oversight.

Despite differing positions, the reform is widely viewed as a continuation of Morocco’s long-term effort to modernize territorial governance and strengthen the role of regions within the national development model.