While a member of Parliament recently estimated Morocco’s e-commerce turnover at MAD 22 billion, the Minister of Industry and Trade was quick to update the figure.According to Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s e-commerce market has now reached MAD 30 billion, and the figure is expected to grow year after year.Speaking before the House of Representatives during an oral question session on Monday, the minister attributed this strong growth to the increasing enthusiasm of consumers for online shopping, particularly in urban areas.Today, the priority is to strengthen the regulatory framework to enhance consumer protection. A new bill is currently being drafted to address this issue, he said.At the same time, attention must also be given to the distribution segment, especially as a growing number of operators now deliver goods directly to consumers.The government is therefore working on a framework to regulate this activity within the context of the postal services sector, historically associated with Barid Al-Maghrib. A draft project is currently under preparation, and the Ministry has already received the opinion of the Competition Council. The minister emphasized the importance of involving small retailers in the evolving distribution ecosystem. One proposal under consideration would allow neighborhood shopkeepers to handle payment collection for online purchases in exchange for a commission. Such a model would enable them to generate additional income from the expansion of e-commerce.Defending the « Moul Lhanout”Throughout his remarks, Ryad Mezzour presented himself as a strong advocate of the small neighborhood retailer, commonly known in Morocco as the “Moul Lhanout.”According to the minister, these shopkeepers have always been—and will continue to be—an essential component of Moroccan society.His ministry is pursuing efforts to address the challenges facing this segment through a participatory approach involving all stakeholders.A national forum was recently organized with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, distribution networks, and industry professionals. The meeting resulted in several recommendations, whose implementation is currently being monitored on the ground. Support Mechanisms and New Revenue OpportunitiesThe minister also indicated that his department is following several initiatives related to equipment and support mechanisms for small retailers. He stressed that maintaining the competitiveness of neighborhood commerce requires strengthening purchasing power and diversifying economic activities.To that end, the government is working on financial inclusion mechanisms and encouraging small retailers to join purchasing cooperatives and buying groups, enabling them to procure goods at more competitive prices.M.C.