The Moroccan Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) has issued a formal opinion calling for a comprehensive transformation of the nation’s rural transport model, which is currently hindered by precariousness and territorial inequality.
During a workshop held in Rabat on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the President of the CESE emphasized that developing an integrated and sustainable transport plan is essential for turning rural mobility into a strategic lever for regional development. The Council’s report, titled “Towards Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient Rural Transport Serving Populations and Territories,” highlights the necessity of repositioning the village, or douar, as the primary territorial unit to better connect rural populations with essential local services.
A central component of this proposed overhaul involves the modernization and expansion of the rural road network. This includes the progressive classification of currently unclassified roads and the seamless integration of rural routes into provincial and regional systems. By focusing on infrastructure sustainability, particularly in remote and isolated areas, the Council aims to guarantee equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment for the more than 13.7 million people living in rural Morocco. To support these physical improvements, the CESE advocates for updating the Highway Code to govern traffic on unclassified roads and revising safety specifications for mixed-use transport vehicles.
The Council also proposed the creation of a dedicated subsidy mechanism to support the deployment of transport services in underserved areas. Furthermore, there is a call to promote the domestic manufacture of utility vehicles specifically designed to handle the unique geographical constraints and mixed-transport needs of the Moroccan countryside. By combining high-quality physical infrastructure with modern digital tools, the government hopes to deploy a connected and efficient system that ensures the safety of both people and property while fostering long-term economic growth.
Ultimately, the CESE views safe and sustainable transport as a fundamental driver for implementing the constitutional rights of rural inhabitants. Given that rural areas cover more than 90% of the national territory and house 37.2% of the total population, the Council asserts that this initiative is a vital part of Morocco’s broader strategy for advanced regionalization and effective territorial governance.
AK/te/fss/abj/APA