Morocco statistical reform reshapes the role of the HCP

Morocco has launched a major overhaul of its public data system through a statistical reform that will redefine the organization of official statistics and expand the responsibilities of the High Commission for Planning, known as the HCP. The Government Council approved two draft laws, 046.26 and 047.26, creating a new institutional framework designed to strengthen the quality, independence and transparency of official data.

The reform, which has been under discussion for more than sixteen years, aligns with the objectives of the New Development Model. It seeks to modernize the legal framework governing public statistics and improve the use of data in policymaking, economic planning and national development strategies.

Under draft law 046.26, all government departments, public institutions and state owned companies that produce official data will be classified as statistical authorities. A future National Council for Statistical Information will propose the list of institutions covered by this designation. The measure aims to improve coordination among data producers and establish common standards across the public sector.

The new legislation requires statistical authorities to collect, produce, preserve and publish information according to recognized scientific standards. It also introduces binding principles that include professional independence, objectivity, neutrality, transparency, relevance, reliability and protection of statistical confidentiality. Policymakers expect these safeguards to increase confidence in national indicators and improve access to information for researchers, businesses, media organizations and public institutions.

A central element of the statistical reform is the creation of the National Council for Statistical Information. Established under Article 159 of the Constitution, the body will have legal personality and administrative and financial autonomy. It will oversee the proper functioning of Morocco’s statistical system, monitor compliance with official statistical principles and support continuous improvements in data quality.

The council’s president will submit an annual report to the King, while copies will also be sent to the Head of Government and the presidents of both houses of Parliament. This process introduces regular institutional oversight of national statistical policy and creates opportunities for parliamentary review.

Draft law 047.26 introduces a significant transformation of the HCP itself. The institution will move beyond its traditional role as a public administration and become a higher governance authority protected under Article 159 of the Constitution. The change follows earlier calls to strengthen public policy evaluation and improve evidence based governance.

The HCP’s responsibilities will extend beyond producing national statistics and economic accounts. It will play a larger role in coordinating public policies, evaluating development programs and monitoring implementation of the New Development Model. The reform also places greater emphasis on territorial analysis to improve understanding of regional disparities and support local decision making.

To carry out these expanded functions, the institution will be organized around two main divisions. The first will continue producing and publishing national, regional and sectoral statistics and accounts. The second will focus on policy coordination, program assessment and strategic analysis aimed at supporting government decision making through objective evidence.

The new structure will be managed by a steering committee chaired by the High Commissioner. The committee will include leaders of both divisions, experts appointed by Dahir and representatives of the state. A permanent consultation body will also be created to facilitate data sharing among public institutions and ensure consistency and neutrality in official statistics.

The reform includes provisions to ensure administrative continuity. Current HCP employees in central and regional offices will transfer automatically to the new structure while retaining their rights, seniority and financial benefits until a new status framework is adopted.

Two key educational institutions, the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics, known as INSEA, and the School of Information Sciences, known as ESI, will also be formally attached to the HCP. Authorities expect this move to strengthen links between statistical production, research, training and skills development.

Another major component of the statistical reform concerns access to information. The HCP will gain authority to request data, surveys, databases and reports from public and private legal entities whenever such information is necessary for its statistical missions. The measure is intended to provide more comprehensive and up to date data for economic and social analysis.

Through these legislative changes, Morocco is seeking to modernize its statistical governance framework and position public data as a strategic tool for evaluating public policies, measuring development outcomes and improving national decision making.