This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press – Abdel Latif Baraka
Despite the high hopes that accompanied the launch of the administration digitization project in Morocco, reality indicates that there is a notable delay in the implementation of Law No. 55.19 relating to the simplification of procedures and procedures administrative.
This project was supposed to bring a qualitative change in the relationship between the citizen and the Moroccan administration, but recent reports reveal an extreme slowness in its implementation, which raises questions about the reasons and the next steps to correct this delay .
1. Law No. 55.19: Unrealized objectives and ambitions
Law 55.19, which entered into force in 2020, was to revolutionize administrative relations by digitizing and simplifying procedures. This law is supposed to help facilitate access to administrative services and improve the business environment by reducing bureaucracy.
Although there are more than 600 approved electronic services, the actual implementation does not exceed 23% of the expected services by the end of 2023.
This delay threatens the achievement of the objectives set by the project.
2. Reasons for the delay in digitalization: diagnosing crises
The report published by the Higher Accounts Council indicates several fundamental factors which contribute to delaying the progress of the digitization project:
A. Delay in publication of applied texts
One of the biggest obstacles to the progress of the project is the delay in the publication of the basic implementation texts which define how to measure performance and manage the national rules portal.
These texts are necessary to organize administrative work and clearly define the implementation mechanisms.
For. Lack of coordination between government sectors
The weak coordination between ministries and administrative services constitutes a major obstacle to the unification of procedures and the integration of work between the different agencies.
This weak coordination contributes to the complexity of administrative processes rather than simplifying them.
C. Continue to work with traditional leaders
Despite digital transformation, some departments continue to use traditional methods to document and codify administrative decisions, which delays the process of digitalization of the administrative system.
D. Poor dissemination of administrative decisions
The report indicates that 85% of administrative decisions were written at the end of 2023, but that the publication of these decisions did not exceed 70%.
This delay disrupts repair operations and encourages the continuation of work with the former leaders.
e. Lack of analysis of the real reality of procedures
The initial study of the procedures was not based on an accurate and comprehensive analysis of the actual reality of the procedures in all government sectors, which led to insufficient planning and unsatisfactory results in the implementation of the project.
3. Challenges associated with delayed digitalization
The report highlights that the challenges facing digitalization go beyond simple delays. The delay in implementation has negative consequences on a number of aspects:
A. The impact of the slowdown on citizens
Due to a lag in digitalization, citizens continue to face complex and slow procedures, hampering their ability to obtain services quickly and efficiently. This leads to increased costs and wasted time for citizens in administrative procedures.
For. The impact of the slowdown on the investment climate
The slow digitalization of procedures leads to an unfavorable business environment for investors. Complex and non-digitalized procedures constitute an obstacle to investment attraction and business development, which negatively affects the national economy.
4. Solutions and recommendations to remedy the delay
In order to remedy the delay and accelerate the digitalization process, the High Accounting Council presented a set of recommendations that must be taken into account:
A. Accelerate the delivery of applied texts
Priority should be given to the publication of implementing texts defining the performance indicators and the management mode of the National Procedures Portal, as well as the creation of a list of documents that administrations can obtain from other sources.
For. Strengthen coordination between government sectors
There is a need to improve coordination between different government ministries and departments to avoid duplication of procedures and ensure uniformity of standards across all sectors. The government must establish an effective coordination mechanism between the different ministries.
C. Improve interconnection between departments
Connectivity between the different electronic systems of public administrations should be strengthened, allowing easy exchange of documents and data, thus speeding up procedures and reducing administrative formalities.
D. Adopt an overall strategic framework focused on results
It is important to adopt a strategic framework that includes clear and measurable objectives, such as reducing the volume of administrative procedures and reducing their cost, with careful monitoring of the extent to which these objectives are achieved.
e. Expanding the scope of diagnostic studies
The study of diagnostic procedures must include all ministerial sectors and public institutions and not be limited to certain sectors only.
This will help identify gaps more accurately and provide comprehensive solutions.
It is clear that the delay of the digitalization project in Morocco is due to a set of factors related to planning and implementation, in addition to the weak coordination between different government agencies.
However, there are many possible solutions that can help speed up the process and achieve the goals set.
The digitalization of administration is not just a technical issue, but rather a comprehensive reform process that requires strong commitment from the government and active cooperation between all parties involved.
