Morocco is accelerating efforts to modernize its retail sector, with a strong focus on small neighborhood merchants. At a study day on domestic trade held in Salé, the Ministry of Industry and Trade signed a series of strategic agreements aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the sector by 2030. Among the key initiatives, local startup WOLIZ announced a partnership to equip tens of thousands of nanostores with digital tools to drive financial inclusion and efficiency.
Government Commitment to Trade Modernization
The event, organized under the theme “Together for Morocco’s Trade 2030,” brought together Minister Ryad Mezzour, business associations, tax authorities, customs leaders, and merchant representatives. The discussions highlighted the central role of domestic trade in Morocco’s economy and its importance in ensuring social stability. The government reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing retail, aligning efforts with future milestones, including the FIFA World Cup in 2030.
Roadmap for the Future
Minister Mezzour emphasized that merchants are at the heart of Morocco’s economic transformation and that supporting them remains a national priority. He also announced plans to hold a national conference on trade in early 2026 to design a roadmap for the sector leading up to 2030. This roadmap will outline priorities, consolidate achievements, and propose innovative solutions to future challenges.
Progress Achieved So Far
The ministry highlighted key accomplishments already underway. Over 300,000 merchants have been enrolled in the unified professional contribution scheme for social coverage, a major step in strengthening protections for small traders. Additionally, 161 startups have been supported through the national digitalization platform, with the next phase targeting 300 more between 2025 and 2027.
Expanding Digital Tools for Merchants
The modernization push also includes initiatives to expand e-commerce infrastructure and supply chain improvements. Agreements were signed with several companies, including Z.systems, which will connect 50,000 neighborhood stores to digital solutions such as loyalty programs, direct access to distributors, and instant payment services. This expansion will help merchants streamline operations and strengthen their market position.
WOLIZ’s Role in Driving Change
A major highlight was the agreement between the Ministry and WOLIZ Solution, a startup led by founder and CEO Kamal El Hardouzi. The partnership will deploy 20,000 remote payment terminals and expand the WOLIZ Pro app to reach 90,000 merchants across Morocco. By digitizing daily operations, WOLIZ aims to empower local merchants with tools that simplify transactions, improve financial inclusion, and open new business opportunities.
Supporting Last-Mile Entrepreneurs
WOLIZ positions itself as a bridge between nanostores, FMCG brands, and consumers. Its AI-powered tools help small retailers increase profitability by up to 25 percent while offering secure payments, loyalty solutions, and round-the-clock support. The company sees Morocco as the starting point for a wider ambition to transform last-mile retail across Africa.
The partnership between WOLIZ and the Ministry of Industry and Trade marks a significant step toward reshaping Morocco’s domestic trade landscape. By combining government support with private sector innovation, the initiative seeks to equip merchants with the tools needed to thrive in a digital economy. As Morocco looks ahead to 2030, these efforts underline the country’s determination to create a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable retail ecosystem.