Digital transformation of the Moroccan economy: a performance comparative approach

Abstract

As part of digital transformation, several States are investing in information and communication technologies (ICT), and more generally in digital
technology, to improve inclusion and therefore development. However, the return on this investment is not always assessed in order to learn from it and
improve decision-making. This study contributes to fill the gap by analysing the degree of maturity of Morocco’s digital transformation through a longitudinal
analysis of statistics and indicators measuring digitalization, such as the ICT Development Index and the Global Innovation Index. A literature
review on digital transformation is followed by an analysis of the Moroccan digital context, while comparing it with the achievements of certain MENA
countries, such as Tunisia, Egypt and Iran. This comparative and exploratory study focusing on the analysis of indicators of digitalization maturity,
synthesized by the level of accessibility, connectivity, facilities and barriers to digital transformation, help to better understand the digital situation in
the countries analysed, to enrich the data and to inform decision-making in investment in this area. However, despite the improvements made in
terms of digitalization by Morocco and the other countries in the sample, achievements are not yet satisfactory.