Economic Development Opportunities and Challenges in Morocco: Corruption and Bureaucracy

Abstract

Criticisms of foreign aid are frequent and well justified, corruption at a local level diminishes efficiency, bureaucratic processes hinder progress, and donor politics sideline the real priorities of those in need. Economic development is accused of being inefficient and counterproductive, and Morocco is no exception. As an autocracy in a state of seemingly permanent democratic transition, Morocco offers key insights into the challenges that face foreign aid workers on the ground. The comparative stability of Morocco has enabled growth and development; however, beneath the surface, inequality, corruption, and lack of freedom are still rampant. To maintain their position in Morocco foreign aid workers compromise with the systems in place rather than disrupting the status quo: simultaneously they navigate donor priorities and politics. Through original interviews with funders, NGO workers, and bilateral aid coordinators, this research analyzes the various strategies adopted by aid workers to overcome these obstacles. The differences in their approaches demonstrates how inconsistent and inefficient aid is in Morocco.