The Moroccan government is preparing a support mechanism aimed at helping small and medium-sized merchants adopt electronic payment systems, as authorities seek to accelerate the country’s transition toward a less cash-dependent economy.
The initiative was announced by Economy and Finance Minister Nadia Fettah in a written response to a parliamentary question submitted by lawmaker Nabil Dakhch of the opposition Popular Movement party.
Fettah said the government is developing measures that could partially or fully cover the costs of acquiring electronic payment terminals for small merchants, who continue to face financial and operational challenges in adopting digital payment solutions.
The minister stressed that merchants are not allowed to pass on card payment fees to customers. As a result, commissions linked to electronic transactions should not affect the prices of goods or services purchased using bank cards.
The measures form part of a broader national strategy to modernize Morocco’s payment ecosystem, reduce reliance on cash transactions and promote greater financial inclusion, particularly among small businesses and neighborhood retailers.
As part of these efforts, Fettah highlighted a regulatory decision adopted by Bank Al-Maghrib that took effect on Oct. 1, 2024. The regulation caps interchange fees on domestic electronic payment transactions at 0.65% of the value of payments made using bank cards issued in Morocco.
Interchange fees represent the portion of card transaction commissions collected by banks and payment institutions from merchants. The minister reiterated that these charges cannot legally be transferred to consumers.
Despite the regulatory changes, the government acknowledges that significant barriers remain. Many small and medium-sized businesses continue to rely heavily on cash payments and view digital payment systems as an additional financial burden.
According to Fettah, concerns include the cost of acquiring payment equipment, transaction-related fees and fears that greater transaction transparency could lead to increased tax obligations.
To address these challenges, authorities have identified the expansion of electronic payment acceptance networks as a national priority. Increasing the number of merchants capable of accepting digital payments is seen as essential to encouraging broader consumer adoption.
The government also views electronic payments as a tool for improving transaction traceability, supporting the formalization of economic activity and fostering stronger competition among banks and payment service providers.
The reform agenda rests on three main pillars. The first focuses on governance and infrastructure, with the Payment Systems Committee, operating under the supervision of Bank Al-Maghrib, providing a framework for coordination among banks, payment institutions and technical operators.
The second pillar involves the development of a unified national plan aimed at expanding instant payment systems, harmonizing installment-payment mechanisms and improving the overall efficiency of the payment ecosystem. Authorities hope these measures will reduce costs for merchants and make electronic payment acceptance more attractive.
The third component centers on restructuring the merchant acquiring market through reforms designed to encourage new operators and diversify available payment solutions. Officials expect increased competition to improve service quality and pricing while ensuring fair access to national payment infrastructure.
As part of these efforts, Fettah announced the creation of a new Electronic Payment Acceptance Development Fund, established through a decision by Bank Al-Maghrib.
The fund will help finance, either partially or fully, the acquisition of payment infrastructure, including point-of-sale terminals, QR code payment systems, payment acceptance applications and similar technologies. Small merchants and sectors that remain heavily dependent on cash transactions are expected to be among the primary beneficiaries.
The mechanism may also subsidize a portion of transaction-related fees associated with electronic payments.
Beyond financial support, the fund is expected to promote awareness campaigns and training programs designed to encourage broader adoption of digital payment tools. Authorities are currently working on the fund’s governance structure, operational framework and implementation mechanisms to ensure its long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
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