Sustainable Development Initiatives in Moroccan Businesses: A Socio-Economic Survey

Sustainable development initiatives in Moroccan businesses have gained increasing attention due to the country's commitment to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a quantitative survey targeting a representative sample of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Morocco. Qualitative interviews were conducted with selected SME owners/managers to gain deeper insights into their experiences and challenges. Findings indicate that while over 70% of surveyed businesses are aware of at least one SDG, only about half have implemented any sustainable development initiatives. The most common initiative is energy efficiency measures, which were adopted by 45% of respondents. Despite initial awareness, the adoption rate of sustainable practices remains low among Moroccan SMEs, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to promote and facilitate their implementation. Businesses should be encouraged to adopt more comprehensive sustainability strategies that encompass multiple SDGs. Government policies can play a crucial role by providing incentives and guidelines to facilitate this transition.