Policy evaluation drives transformation in Morocco's public sector

Wednesday 19 November 2025 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Policy evaluation drives transformation in Morocco's public sector

Investment Minister Karim Zidane has underscored the critical role of policy evaluation as a transformative tool for ensuring effective governance and aligning public action with citizens' needs. Speaking at a study day in Rabat focused on public-policy evaluation, Zidane described it as a "strategic lever of transformation" that fosters transparency, coherence, and impactful reforms.

The event, themed “Planning, Implementation and Monitoring-Evaluation of Public Policies: Toward Coherent, Fair and Citizen-Focused Public Action,” highlighted the necessity of embedding an evaluative culture across all levels of governance. Zidane emphasized that evaluation extends beyond technical formalities, serving as a collective learning tool that strengthens policy coherence while directing resources toward the most urgent priorities.

He stressed the importance of accurately measuring the added value of public policies to ensure that every investment benefits citizens. This approach, Zidane argued, is vital for Morocco's ongoing territorial development, which requires a shift in mindsets and working methods to prioritize measurable outcomes based on precise data.

Zidane also called for effective communication around youth-focused investment policies, noting that young people are essential for driving ambitious development projects.

Brahim Benmoussa, secretary-general of the investment ministry, highlighted Morocco's progress in political, economic, and administrative reforms. He pointed to advanced regionalization and administrative decentralization as key steps toward tailoring public policies to territorial needs and aligning local and national priorities. Benmoussa further noted the country’s gradual adoption of results-based management, which embeds accountability and performance within public administration.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including institutional actors, international partners, elected officials, academics, and civil society representatives. Participants reviewed Morocco’s current evaluation practices, identified challenges, and shared successful experiences from both national institutions and international collaborations. They also put forward practical recommendations aimed at reinforcing evaluation as a cornerstone of Morocco’s governance framework.