Lobbying in Morocco: towards an institutionalization and moralization of influence practices carried out by special interest representatives

This paper analyzes the lobbying practices and influence processes carried out by different special interest groups in Morocco. It tries to trace the outline of an activity shrouded in mystery, which is growing significantly and making constantly the headlines of Moroccan newspapers that criticize the primacy of the private interest of pressure groups, qualified as “lobbies” and “shadow’s influencers”, on the general interest. While highlighting the characteristics and salient features of the lobbying activities and influence practices carried out by the various interest and influence groups in Morocco, this paper defines a conceptual framework on the potential and major targets of lobbying on Moroccan territory. The mapping of institutional stakeholders targeted by the lobbying activities highlights the multiplicity of public entities concerned by lobbying practices and the diversity of strategies of influence that can be exercised on the legislative power, the executive power and the judiciary at the national, regional and local level. The paper presents also a vision for the development of a transparent, ethical, responsible and accountable lobbying system in Morocco, within the framework of a coherent and integrated national strategy. This forward-looking strategic vision is based particularly on the institutionalization and moralization of influencing practices carried out by special interest groups, the professionalization of the lobbying practices according to international standards, the demystification of lobbying as a practice of representing particular interests as well as taking into account digital and territorial lobbying practices.