Significant Progress in Financial Transparency
Morocco is witnessing substantial advancements in the disclosure and oversight of its public finances. According to the latest report by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) dated April 15, 2026, the country has markedly improved its budget transparency rating. With a score of 51 out of 100 points, Morocco has surpassed its 2023 score of 47 points, reinforcing a multi-year upward trend that positions the nation as a stable partner on the international stage.
These figures stem from the Open Budget Survey (OBS), the only independent and comparative analysis of budget transparency globally. The IBP evaluates countries based on three key pillars: the timely publication of eight core budget documents, formal opportunities for citizen participation, and the effectiveness of oversight bodies such as the parliament and the national audit office.
The data is collected by independent experts on the ground and undergoes a rigorous peer-review process. Morocco's consistent performance acts as a signal to international financial institutions and investors, indicating that accountability is increasingly becoming institutionalized within the kingdom.
Morocco's Unique Position in the MENA Region
When compared directly with other Maghreb nations, Morocco's special status becomes particularly evident. While the kingdom aims for the benchmark of 'sufficient transparency' with its score of 51 points, neighboring countries remain significantly lower. Morocco ranks third in the entire MENA region, following Jordan and Egypt. The critical advantage over its immediate neighbors lies in the continuity of reforms, particularly through the Organic Law on Finance (LOLF), which establishes binding reporting standards.
The development in budget oversight is particularly striking, as it increased from 43 to 51 points. This improvement is primarily attributed to the more active role of the legislature, whose individual score rose to 55 points. The audit office is also highlighted as a central player in monitoring public funds.
Concurrently, citizen participation saw a significant leap, increasing by 60% compared to the previous period. With a gain of 9 percentage points, Morocco achieved second place regionally in this category. This demonstrates that mechanisms designed to grant the public access to budget processes are effectively operational, transcending mere theoretical existence.
This progression is embedded in a long-term reform dynamic that began with the 2011 constitution and was supported by the 2019 Access to Information Law. With the recently adopted Strategic Framework for Public Finance Reform 2026–2032, Rabat is initiating the next phase of these reforms.
The program focuses on modern tools such as a new 'Open Budgeting' platform, which aims to make data more accessible and comprehensible. For the first time, cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, climate protection, and territorial aspects will be integrated into financial planning. The goal is to link the efficiency and sustainability of public finances with the demands of a modern, transparent administration. The coming years will reveal how effectively this digital transformation can further deepen public participation.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
