Call for urgent mobilization to protect small businesses following declaration of disaster zones in Morocco

LARACHE - The Moroccan Confederation of Very Small, Small, and Medium Enterprises (VSSME) extends its sincere thanks and gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his directives to the Head of Government to declare the provinces of Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane as disaster zones. 

This decision is a crucial step that the Confederation has consistently called for, notably in its first statement on February 1, following this tragedy. 

This declaration will enable the activation of compensation mechanisms, particularly for businesses with insurance coverage. The compensation procedures involve the formal declaration of a catastrophic event, in addition to providing full financial support to various affected groups through a dedicated fund. This will accelerate the return of economic and social activity and help residents and small businesses resume their economic operations with minimal damage.

Following the severe floods that struck several cities and provinces in the North and West - such as Ksar El Kebir and Larache, in addition to the provinces of Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, and Chefchaouen - significant material and economic losses have resulted. Therefore, the Confederation launches an urgent national appeal for mobilization and solidarity. This disaster has impacted a wide range of economic actors, including very small, small, and medium enterprises, traders, artisans, traditional manufacturers, small farmers, traditional fishermen, cooperatives, and owners of income-generating activities. This situation threatens the livelihoods of thousands of families and presents the local economy with a major challenge.

In recent days, the Moroccan Confederation of VSSMEs has received numerous calls from affected groups. These individuals are seeking reassurance regarding their status with banking and administrative institutions, as well as inquiring about support opportunities and aid available to resume their economic activities.

Based on our national responsibility, we call for:

Providing support to the Emergency Fund established to compensate victims and contribute to revitalizing the local economic cycle.

Suspending loans and banking, tax, and social obligations without charging late payment penalties.

Launching exceptional programs to rehabilitate damaged production units and protect jobs.

Accelerating damage assessment processes and adopting simplified, transparent procedures for accessing support.

Strengthening coordination between the State, the private sector, and civil society to ensure an effective and rapid response, while providing real on-the-ground support for small entrepreneurs, artisans, cooperatives, and affected farmers.

The Moroccan Confederation of VSSMEs requests that competent authorities and government bodies involve it in the phase of resuming economic activities in these affected provinces, particularly in the city of Ksar El Kebir, which suffered extensive damage due to the floods. In this city, all residents were evacuated, including small businesses that lost electricity, leading to the destruction of all their products and inventory due to water and mud.

The current stage requires a proactive diagnosis with immediate intervention to save what can be saved, aiming to ensure the smooth return of local economic activity. Protecting small businesses means protecting the national economy and enhancing social stability, as the local economy in these provinces is 99% composed of very small, small, and medium enterprises and income-generating activities.

The Moroccan Confederation of Very Small, Small, and Medium Enterprises renews its commitment to full involvement in all serious initiatives and to working with public authorities to establish practical and sustainable solutions. We want to restore confidence and hope to the affected areas and support the resilience of their economic fabric.

(Press release)

Abdellah El Fergui, President of the Moroccan Confederation of Very Small, Small, and Medium Enterprises