31% of Moroccans paid bribes to access public services, corruption index finds

This year's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reveals that Morocco's fight against corruption remains stagnant, scoring 38 points out of 100 – unchanged from 2022 – and ranking 97th out of 180 countries and territories worldwide. This score places Morocco 8th within the Middle East and North Africa region.

According to the index, released on January 30th, 2024, 53% of Moroccan citizens believe corruption has increased over the past year. Additionally, 31% report having paid bribes to access public services. These figures highlight the continued presence of corruption in daily life for many Moroccans.

Despite ranking ahead of regional neighbors like Algeria, Egypt, and Mauritania, Morocco finds itself lagging behind others such as the United Arab Emirates (26th globally), Qatar (40th), and Jordan (63rd). These comparisons shed light on the regional context and potential areas for improvement.

The importance of addressing corruption

Globally, the index paints a concerning picture, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50, signaling widespread corruption issues. The global average remains stuck at only 43, and the vast majority of nations have seen no progress or even declines in the past decade. This stagnation calls for urgent action.

Transparency International, the organization behind the CPI, emphasizes the need for strong justice systems and independent institutions to effectively combat corruption. «When justice is bought or politically interfered with, it is the people that suffer», states Chair François Valérian. «Leaders should fully invest in and guarantee the independence of institutions that uphold the law and tackle corruption».

The lack of progress in Morocco and the alarming global trends underscore the importance of addressing corruption not just within individual countries but as a global challenge. Strengthening accountability, transparency, and independent oversight mechanisms are crucial steps to ensuring a fairer and more prosperous future for all.

For the record, since its debut in 2003, the Global Corruption Barometer has surveyed the experiences of everyday people confronting corruption around the world.