FY 2024 Morocco Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | November 2024 Acknowledgements Morocco Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Morocco country team and independent field agency, Averty. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Estelle Allano (Senior External Affairs Officer) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Rabat, Morocco. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Morocco Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Morocco Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how stakeholders in Morocco perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Morocco’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past four years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Morocco? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding WBG’s work in Morocco? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview ▪ Fielded February – May 2024 Government Institution 26% ▪ 517 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Civil Society Organization 22% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and Academia / Research Centers / Think 15% supplemented by the field agency Tanks ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 11% ▪ 186 participants (36% response rate) Private Sector 11% ▪ 88% from Rabat/Casablanca ▪ 69% currently collaborate with the WBG Media 10% ▪ Compared to FY19 Country Survey Office of the Head of Government or ▪ 148 participants (37% response rate) Office of a Minister 3% ▪ 73% from Central region ▪ 67% collaborated with the WBG Office of a Parliamentarian 1% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Regional or Local institution Office or 1% Staff What is your primary current employment affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=186) 5 6 Overall Context “Align with the orientations of the government's strategic plan to strengthen the effectiveness of sustainable development levers, social and capacity building of human capital. Establish concrete returns and tangible actions by strengthening the co- responsibility of the private and public sectors, and encourage national initiative in the areas of inclusion (access to employment opportunities, etc.), which should not be the exclusive monopoly of NGOs and international cooperation.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? (N=115) Consistent Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Comparison of FY19 and FY24: Respondents in this year’s Country Survey reported significantly higher familiarity with the Bank than those in the FY19 Survey. Mean familiarity: All Respondents* 7.4 FY24 = 7.4 FY19 = 6.0 Media 8.5 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated Government Institutions 8.2 that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.9 Academia 7.7 Do not collaborate = 6.1 Bilateral /Multilateral 6.9 Agency ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from media and government institutions indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the Private Sector 6.5 WBG, whereas respondents from civil society and the private sector reported much lower familiarity with its work. Civil Society 6.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Morocco? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar *Statistically different between stakeholder groups 7 Stakeholders Most Familiar with the WBG and EU ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to indicate their familiarity with the work of several international World Bank Group 7.4 organizations and the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Morocco indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the World Bank Group, followed by European Union 7.3 the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN). Respondents were least familiar with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) work. United Nations 7.1 International Monetary Fund 6.4 African Development Bank 6.3 (AfDB) Islamic Development Bank 5.0 (IsDB) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Morocco? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar 8 Q 9 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “The World Bank Group is a partner that provides financial and technical support to institutions to improve their governance system to achieve development goals. This perception is the result of 18 years of collaboration with the World Bank.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q Please share what comes to your mind when you think about the World Bank Group in Morocco? Why do you have this perception? (Please be specific) (N=122) Key Performance Indicators Significantly Improving In FY24, respondents gave higher ratings for the WBG’s Effectiveness in helping Morocco 7.4 effectiveness in helping Morocco achieve development achieve results^* 6.0 results, positive influence on shaping development policy, alignment with their development priorities, and relevance to development in Morocco than respondents 7.3 Positive influence on shaping in FY19. development policy* 6.3 Aligned with development 7.3 priorities* FY24 5.7 FY19 7.2 Relevant role in development* 6.4 6.1 Helps end poverty in Morocco 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How effective is the WBG in helping Morocco achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Mean Rating Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY19: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Morocco. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Morocco? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a 10 very significant degree *Significant difference between years Government Institutions, 7.4 7.7 Effectiveness in helping 7.2 Bilateral / Multilateral Agencies Morocco achieve results* 6.1 7.6 7.6 and Media Respondents 7.6 7.4 Consistently Have More Positive influence on shaping development policy* 6.4 6.8 Positive Views of the WBG 7.5 7.8 Government 7.7 Institutions Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 7.4 Aligned with development 6.9 Bilateral /Multilateral between stakeholder groups show that respondents from Agency priorities* 6.2 government institutions, bilateral or multilateral agencies, 7.8 6.9 Civil Society and media gave the highest ratings for these key indicators of the WBG’s performance. In contrast, 7.7 Private Sector respondents from the private sector gave significantly 7.5 7.2 lower ratings. Relevant role in development 6.5 Academia 6.7 6.9 Media 6.3 6.8 Helps end poverty in 5.5 Morocco* 5.0 6.0 6.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. *Significant difference between stakeholder groups 11 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among 7.9 Effectiveness in helping Morocco respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- 6.8 achieve results* 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity 6.1 with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 7.7 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Positive influence on shaping 6.7 WBG, the more positive their perceptions of it and its development policy* 6.7 work are. 7.7 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Aligned with development priorities* 6.8 to increase positive perceptions. 6.8 7.8 Relevant role in development* 6.9 5.0 6.4 Helps end poverty in Morocco* 5.6 5.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Morocco? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How effective is the WBG in helping Morocco achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significant difference between The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree levels of familiarity The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Morocco. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 12 Morocco is Higher than Other IBRD Countries Surveyed in FY24 and Tunisia on Most Key Performance Indicators 7.4 Effectiveness in helping Morocco 6.9 achieve results 7.2 7.3 Positive influence on shaping 6.5 development policy 7.1 7.3 Morocco FY24 Aligned with development priorities 6.7 Tunisia FY24 7.1 Other IBRD FY24 7.2 Relevant role in development 6.7 7.1 6.1 Helps end poverty in Morocco 6.0 6.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY24 IBRD Other countries: Equatorial Guinea, Vietnam, Georgia, Moldova, Poland, Croatia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, GCC, Tunisia, Bosnia Q & Herzegovina, Brazil, Seychelles, Uruguay, Namibia 13 Stakeholder Trends across Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions and media had the highest mean rating across the aggregated responses to All Respondents 7.3 the eighteen COS indicator questions. In contrast, respondents from the private sector had significantly lower ratings. Government Institutions 7.7 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave Media 7.6 significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG: Academia 7.3 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.5 Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 7.3 Do not collaborate = 6.8 Civil Society 7.0 Private Sector 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 14 15 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “I strongly recommend taking the bottom-up approach and consulting not only with the government but also with known organizations based in Casablanca, Rabat. Grassroots work is highly needed and encouraged.” (Civil Society Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? Q (N=115) Development Areas Education 61% Social inclusion for WBG Focus Jobs 38% 38% Education, social inclusion, and jobs were the top Public sector governance 30% priorities for respondents in FY24, and where they want the Youth development 28% WBG to prioritize its resources. Climate change 27% How do you think the World Bank Group can best contribute to Social protection 26% these development priorities? Private sector development 23% “This involves supporting human resources, skills development, and establishing a system for assessing the skills of faculty and institutions. Water / sanitation 23% For agriculture, support for the development of agricultural value chains and sustainable agriculture. As for youth development, we Skills development 22% strongly recommend support for non-formal education, access to Health / pandemic preparedness 19% employment, and, above all, participation in the development of the business network at the rural level.” Gender equity 18% (Civil Society Respondent) Digital infrastructure development 17% “Health: access to generalized care with territorial equity. Education: Environment / natural resource stop the logic of reform of the reform and invest in the teaching staff. management 17% Agriculture: support agriculture that responds first to the national Debt management 17% market (food needs of Moroccans) and if water resources allow it, authorize export agriculture. Water and sanitation: support for IWRM Agriculture / food security 15% and invest in a major sanitation program in rural areas. Environment: Support Morocco in applying its own laws (EDD framework law, law on Transport infrastructure 11% strategic and environmental evaluation of public policies, EIA).” Disaster risk management (DRM) 10% (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) Energy 9% Urban development 7% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Morocco? 16 Q (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=185) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in macroeconomic stability, access to finance, and Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth transport received the highest effectiveness ratings. Of note, perceptions of the 7.0 Bank’s work in social inclusion, health, transport, and natural resource Macroeconomic stability management notably improved compared to FY19. Access to finance 6.9 Human Development Debt sustainability 6.7 6.2 Public sector governance 6.7 Gender equity 6.4 6.3 Private sector development 6.7 6.3 6.1 FY24 Social protection 6.5 5.5 Improved competitiveness FY19 6.0 FY24 Business regulation 6.4 Social inclusion* 5.2 FY19 Trade 6.2 6.3 6.0 Health* 6.2 5.1 Regional integration 6.0 5.7 Crime and violence 5.8 Education 5.4 Job creation / employment 5.8 5.6 Infrastructure 6.9 Environmental Sustainability Transport* 5.4 6.8 6.7 Water supply and sanitation infrastructure 6.9 Climate change 6.4 Energy / extractives 6.7 6.8 FY24 Environment / natural resource 6.5 FY24 6.3 FY19 management* 5.7 Urban development 6.0 FY19 6.0 6.4 Digital development 6.3 Agriculture and food security 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Morocco? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) *Significant difference between years 17 18 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Morocco “Always listening to the needs of Moroccans, remaining in total harmony and coherence with public policies, and providing ongoing support through research, expertise (studies), training and financing.” (Civil Society Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? Q (N=115) The WBG is Increasingly Seen as a Long-Term, Open, Responsive, and Accessible Partner In FY24, respondents continue to view the WBG as a long-term Being a long-term partner to 8.4 partner in Morocco. Respondents also perceived the WBG as Morocco* 7.6 significantly more open, responsive, accessible, and flexible than FY19. ▪ Of note, respondents from the private sector had the lowest Openness (sharing data and 7.5 ratings for access to WBG staff and experts, flexibility, and other information)* 6.6 responsiveness to Morocco’s needs. Responsiveness to needs in 7.0 Morocco* FY24 In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or 5.5 FY19 actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? Flexibility when circumstances 7.0 “Set realistic and quantifiable objectives to help develop Morocco and ensure in collaboration with various third parties change in Morocco* 5.4 that these objectives are fully achieved in the long term, and communicate around this to gain seriousness and visibility.” (Academia Respondent) Access to WBG staff and 7.0 experts* 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility 19 and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY19. *Significant difference between years The WBG Seen as Effectively Collaborating with Stakeholders In FY24, respondents perceived the WBG as collaborating 8.0 Government* significantly more effectively with the government, other 7.3 donors and development partners, civil society, and the Other donors and 7.2 private sector than in FY19. development partners* 6.2 6.7 Private sector* 5.8 In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its 6.5 effectiveness in Morocco? Local government “Strengthen local communities to safeguard their livelihoods and FY24 support research projects in collaboration with local communities 6.4 Civil society* FY19 in relation to water, food and energy security and ecosystem 5.4 conservation. Collaborate with local associations and strengthen their capacity and specialization by ecosystem in Morocco and Academia / research 6.4 for young people and women in marginal and vulnerable areas. centers / think tanks Create and support youth centers in remote areas. Support for women's activities and their organization and training on topics 6.3 Media of the solidarity economy, E-Commerce, etc. Support for sustainable tourism integrated by sector and by territory.” Parliament / legislative 6.2 (Academia Respondent) branch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Morocco in terms of collaborating with the following Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significant difference between years 20 Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with Academia, Civil Society, Local Governments, and Private Sector Respondents would like the WBG to collaborate more with Academia / research academia, civil society, local government, and the private 41% centers / think tanks sector in FY24. ▪ Respondents from civil society (94%) and academia (46%) Civil society (e.g., were more likely to say that the Bank should collaborate 40% NGOs, CBOs) more with civil society. ▪ Respondents from government institutions (55%) and bilateral/multilateral agencies (52%) were more likely to Local government 37% say that the Bank should collaborate more with provincial and municipal governments. Private sector 36% In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? Other donors and 16% “Work more with the media and universities. The WBG is a relevant development partners source in terms of information and content. Meetings with universities and students is a way of including young people..” (Media Respondent) Parliament / 11% legislative branch “- broaden consultation with NGOs outside the capital. - Evaluations should be put at the beginning of the project, halfway through, and at the end. - facilitated access to projects and evaluation reports for NGOs and with the mother tongue..” (Civil Society Respondent) In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Morocco? (Select up 21 to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=159) 22 Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Deploy bottom-up designed programs rather than top-down HQ designed products/solutions/ approaches.” (Private Sector Respondent) “Strengthen its coordination with cooperation agencies to have a greater impact. Focus its impact on three issues that it considers fundamental: institutionality and the fight against corruption, [the] promotion of decent employment, and [the] strengthening of social policies. Continue promoting the collection of quality data that guide the actions and policies to be developed. (Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent) In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? Q (N=115) Financial Resources, Analytical Products and Technical Assistance Considered the Bank’s Greatest Values Financial resources 54% In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness Knowledge and analytical in Morocco? 38% products “- work with other donors and multilateral funding agencies to finance projects. - commit to projects for longer (beyond 7 years) - couple technical support with budgetary support - further simplify Technical assistance and 36% procurement procedures.” implementation support (Government Institution Respondent) “The WBG needs to become more involved with private sector Capacity development and 24% players in order to foster the emergence of a competitive economy. training This means getting more involved in financing and providing technical assistance directly to private sector companies. For the time being, this is confined to a limited number of large-scale operations, which Mobilizing third party financial 16% are not having the expected knock-on effect and are not creating a resources real private sector.” (Private Sector Respondent) Convening / bringing together 12% different groups of stakeholders Donor/development partner 11% coordination Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Morocco? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=185) 23 WBG Financial Services Seen as Increasingly Relevant Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, respondents The WBG insists on 7.6 had the highest levels of agreement that the WBG insists accountability through its on accountability through its lending and effectively lending monitors projects it supports in Morocco. The WBG effectively monitors 7.6 Respondents this year had significantly higher levels of and evaluates the projects it agreement the WBG’s ESF requirements are reasonable, supports in Morocco 7.2 that the WBG’s financial instruments meet the needs of Morocco, and that the WBG provides financial support in a The WBG’s Environmental and 7.1 timely manner compared to respondents in FY19. Social Framework requirements are reasonable* 6.5 FY24 The WBG’s financial 7.1 FY19 instruments meet the needs of Morocco* 5.9 The WBG provides financial 7.0 support in a timely manner^* 6.2 The conditions of the WBG’s 6.8 financing are competitive compared to markets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY19 *Significant difference between years 24 Majority of Respondents Have Used the WBG Knowledge Work in the Past and Perceived it Positively The WBG brings global expertise 7.9 to Morocco as part of its knowledge work^* 7.3 87% of respondents have used the Bank’s knowledge work in the past. Respondents had the highest levels of agreement I am satisfied with the quality of 7.8 the WBG’s knowledge work in that the WBG’s knowledge work brings global expertise to Morocco Morocco and that working with the WBG increases institutional capacity. Most respondents were also satisfied Working with the WBG increases 7.8 with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work. Morocco’s institutional capacity * 6.9 Few respondents think the WBG’s knowledge work is tailored FY24 to Morocco’s context. Lower agreements especially come Knowledge work contribution to 7.6 FY19 from the private sector, civil society, and bilateral/multilateral development results* 6.4 agencies. Of note, this indicator has notably improved since FY19. When I need to consult the 7.3 WBG’s knowledge work, I know how to find it The WBG’s knowledge work is 7.0 tailored to Morocco’s context^^* 6.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Morocco? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to “Are a source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY19. 25 ^^Compared to "Are adaptable to Morocco’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY19 *Significant difference between years 26 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Morocco How can the WBG increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses • More accommodation for Engagement • More engagement and collaboration Operational Morocco’s context with stakeholders outside of the 25% government Effectiveness • Programs should be better aligned with Morocco’s needs and priorities • Better understanding of the local Knowledge 18% • Simplifying procedures for better context through collaboration with local experts, communities Engagement access to WBG financing • Wider consultations with civil society, NGOs Operational • Capacity building for institutions • Greater financial support to Knowledge Financial Effectiveness • Technical support better meet Morocco’s needs 14% • Utilize local resources to better Support • Increase in non-reimbursable understand the local context, support 10% Focus Area capacity, etc. • More capacity development Communication Results 9% • Better monitoring and evaluation Financial of projects Results Support • Demand for better accountability of the ongoing projects Focus Area • More alignment with Morocco’s needs and context 14% • Education • Jobs Communication • Greater communication about the Bank’s work and results • Climate change 8% In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement Q to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? (N=115) 27 How Do You Think the WBG Can Best Contribute to the Development Priorities? Open-Ended Responses Education (61%) • Balancing financial support and technical expertise Jobs (38%) • Help to build educational systems that are • Financial support to SMEs adaptable to the changing environment • Skills development and training • Training • Local capacity building Top 7 Priorities for WBG’s Focus Youth development (28%) Education 61% • Skills development Social Inclusion (38%) • Digital infrastructure for better inclusion Social inclusion 38% • Listening to NGOs with actionable • Increased funding for youth projects solutions Jobs 38% • Systematic evaluation of policies Public sector governance 30% Climate change (27%) • Local capacity building Youth development 28% • Rising awareness around the topic • Strengthening of local institutions Climate change 27% • Support climate-resilient policies • Introducing a more efficient agricultural Public sector governance (30%) Social protection 26% models • Financing of adaptation projects • Being a uniting force for government and non- government stakeholders Social protection (26%) • Being a catalyst for a dialog with the • Assistance in policy formulation, implementation government and monitoring • Support during the policy implementation • Mobilization of resources • Involve different societal groups to the dialogue • Provide benchmarks and successful examples Earlier in survey you have selected these development priorities for Morocco. How do you think the World Bank Q Group can best contribute to these development priorities? (Please be specific) (N=112) Please Share What Comes To Your Mind About the WBG in Morocco. Open-Ended Responses to pay attention neutral positive The WBG perception 17% 42% 41% • A majority of respondents shared positive (42%) and neutral “I think the World Bank still has this perception in Moroccan society as a debt or loan organization. They think of it as a bank. (41%) perceptions of the WBG in Morocco For me, the idea changed when I started getting in touch with the IMF and the World Bank . The • Respondents view the Bank as a credible, influential perception now is more towards financial consulting, financial aids and organizational support.” partner that is dedicated to developmental goals (Civil Society Respondent) • Respondents recall the WBG’s projects on the ground and positively assess the Bank’s support and results “It is an institution that plays an important role in Morocco. For example, its Doing Business report • Better communication about the WBG’s mission and its work was very useful for Moroccan lawyers and officials to assess the Moroccan legal environment and in Morocco is recommended to address comments marked as support reform proposals.” (Academia Respondent) “to pay attention” “[The WBG is] a partner for the mobilization of sources of financing for “The World Bank had a very bad reputation in Morocco, especially for community actors, because it development programs.” was associated with the structural adjustment plan with all the social damage it caused. A good (Government Respondent) number of actors continue to believe that the World Bank is dragging Morocco as easy prey for large multinationals and is turning a blind eye to the embezzlement and bad practices of certain officials and certain failing economic and social policies. It is true that the World Bank has changed “We have worked closely on the theme of the economic integration of young a lot, but there is still a long way to go in several areas and to strengthen ties with citizen people through the INDH program, and I am very proud and grateful for that.” stakeholders and new social dynamics.” (Civil Society Respondent) (Civil Society Respondent) Q Please share what comes to your mind about the World Bank Group in Morocco. Why do you have this perception? (N=122) 30 Communication and Outreach “Conduct in-depth studies that help inform public policies in these areas; Strengthen the capacities of institutional actors, civil society, and the private sector; Promote platforms for exchanges and reflection on these themes with the academic and university community by encouraging young people to contribute actively; Increase financial support for the implementation of reforms in these areas .” (Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent) “-Respond as best as possible to the expectations of the Kingdom of Morocco in social matters -Ensure the improvement of social indicators -Communicate more on the initiatives of the GBM and the results achieved.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what are the most important initiatives or actions the WBG could implement to increase its effectiveness in Morocco? (N=115) Events and Direct Contact with Staff Were the Most Preferred Channels for Receiving WBG Communication Respondents most preferred to receive Bank communications at events/conferences/seminars/workshops (in person or online), followed by direct contact with WBG staff and e-newsletters. Preferred WBG Channel All Government Bilateral/Multil Respondents Institutions ateral Agency Civil Society Private Sector Academia Media Event / conference / seminar / 71.8% 80.4% 60.0% 80.0% 50.0% 75.0% 56.3% workshop (in person or online) Direct contact with staff (e.g., in 49.4% 50.0% 35.0% 54.3% 71.4% 41.7% 50.0% person, virtually, phone, email) e-Newsletters 44.9% 39.1% 75.0% 37.1% 35.7% 45.8% 43.8% Direct messaging (e.g., 21.2% 15.2% 15.0% 20.0% 14.3% 33.3% 37.5% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Social media (e.g., Facebook, 8.3% 6.5% 15.0% 8.6% 7.1% 4.2% 12.5% Twitter) How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=156) 31 8 in 10 Engaged with the WBG Recently, Most Often through Events, Direct Contact with WBG Staff, Social Media, and WBG Website 80% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG on events, through direct contact, followed by social media and WBG websites. Event / conference / seminar 61% Direct contact with WBG staff 55% Social media 36% No 20% WBG websites 31% Do you recall e-Newsletters 26% seeing or hearing anything about the WBG Newspapers 22% recently? Direct messaging 19% Yes 80% Television (TV) 11% Radio 4% Podcasts 2% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=156) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=124) 32 The WBG’s Work on Climate Change, Poverty, and Human Capital Were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Climate change 46% Respondents most frequently recalled WBG work or research Women empowerment 41% on climate change, women empowerment, and human capital. Human capital 37% ▪ Respondents from civil society were more likely to WBG economic forecasts 33% recall WBG’s work on youth development (56%). Youth development 33% Job creation / employment 32% Digital economy 23% Food security 20% Ending poverty in developing 18% countries Debt relief for developing 11% countries Changes to the WBG financial 8% and operational model Pandemic preparedness 7% If you answered “Yes” for E2, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? 33 Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=123) Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Frequent Droughts and Water Availability A greater number of respondents were very concerned about more frequent and severe droughts and decreased water availability/quality as potential impacts of climate change in Morocco. Loss of jobs and more frequent and severe heatwaves were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all More frequent and severe droughts 86% Decreased water availability / quality 83% Loss of jobs 73% More frequent and severe heatwaves 69% Land and forest degradation 60% Climate-driven migration 53% Air pollution 43% More frequent and severe floods 40% Increased erosion of shoreline 39% Extinction of plant / animal species 38% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 31% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Morocco? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~139) 34 35 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you collaborate/work with the World Bank of your work? (N=154) Group (WBG) in Morocco? (N=186) Generalist (specialize in multiple sectors) 18% Education 14% No 31% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt management 9% Environment / natural resource management 7% Climate change 6% Yes 69% Legal / human rights 6% Agriculture and food security 5% Digital development 4% Which of the following WBG agencies do you collaborate/work Gender equity 3% with in Morocco? (N=129) Public sector governance 3% World Bank (IBRD) 91% Private sector development / trade 3% International Finance Corporation (IFC) 37% Energy 3% Social protection 2% Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) 5% Transport 2% International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) 2% Health / pandemic preparedness 1% Water / sanitation 1% 36 Percentages equal more than 100% because respondents could choose multiple agencies within the WBG. Sample Demographics (continued) Which best represents your geographic location? (N=152) What is your gender? Rabat/Casablanca 88% (N=153) Urban area 8% Male 61% Other 3% Rural area 2% Female 36% What’s your age? (N=153) 25 or younger 1% Prefer not to specify, 3% 26-35 10% 36-45 24% 46-55 27% 56 and above 35% 37 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2019 FY 2024 From February to May 2024, a total of 517 stakeholders in Morocco were invited to provide Government Principals: Office of the President, Office of Vice President, Minister, 6% 4% their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). A list of Parliamentarian potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Office of Vice President, Minister, Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation and Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, Unit, Independent Government Institution, 37% 26% the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 186 participated in the survey (36% response rate). Respondents Local Government 1% 0.5% completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, The results of this year’s survey were compared to the FY19 Survey, with a response Development Organization, Development 8% 11% rate of 37% (N=148). Bank, UN Agency Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time, as Civil Society Organization: Local and well as changes in respondent samples, methodology, and the survey instrument itself. To regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 18% 22% reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response Professional/Trade Association, scales/options were analyzed. This year’s survey saw a different distribution of respondents Faith-Based Group, Youth Group across stakeholder groups, with outreach to the private sector and a somewhat lower proportion of respondents from government institutions. These differences in stakeholder Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 0% 11% composition between the two years should be considered when interpreting the results of the Sector Organization, Private Bank past-year comparison analyses. Academia / Research Center 16% 15% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Media 5% 10% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Morocco Other 7% 0% COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents 146* 186 *Not all respondents provided information about their professional affiliation; hence the difference from the total N. Q The total N was 148. 38 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1. In your opinion, how effective is the World Bank Group (WBG) in helping Morocco achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A2. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in Morocco? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A3. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Morocco. A4. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Morocco. A5. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Morocco. A6. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Morocco To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Morocco C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Morocco C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Morocco To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Morocco in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other donors and development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Morocco . C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Morocco. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Morocco’s context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org