In a bold step toward advancing regional economic development, the Moroccan government has introduced sweeping legislative reforms aimed at decentralizing investment processes and empowering Regional Investment Centers (CRIs) to better serve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

At the heart of this reform is a newly adopted legislation that redefines the mandate of CRIs, giving them greater autonomy and equipping them with the tools to directly manage support systems tailored to very small, small, and medium enterprises (VSMEs). This reform marks a turning point in Morocco’s broader strategy to create a more inclusive, agile, and investor-friendly economic landscape.

The legislation also formalizes the creation of Unified Regional Investment Commissions (CRUIs), which will take over the responsibility of approving investment agreements. Together, the CRIs and CRUIs will form the backbone of Morocco’s updated investment architecture, ensuring seamless coordination between local implementation and national strategic alignment.

The reforms, in line with the country’s advanced regionalization policy, decentralize the investment approval process for projects under 250 million dirhams, allowing for faster and more localized decision-making. 

This includes a sharp reduction in processing times from 30 to 20 days, introduction of appeal mechanisms for rejected applications, and urban planning exemptions for select hospitality and industrial projects.

Additionally, broader derogations will now require direct approval from the head of government following CRUI consultation, reinforcing national oversight while retaining regional agility.

Support from the National Agency for SME Promotion and other public entities will reinforce CRIs’ ability to execute these reforms effectively. These developments are enshrined in Framework Law 03-22 and its accompanying regulatory texts, which implement the new Investment Charter. Together, they lay the foundation for an integrated, regionally driven, and SME-centric investment ecosystem.