Salwa Demnati, a Moroccan entrepreneur and advocate for business reform, has highlighted a government initiative to streamline business creation in Morocco. The goal is to reduce the time required to start a company to just three days, according to statements made in early 2026. However, fact-checking reveals that as of May 2026, the average processing time remains around six days, according to the World Bank's latest Doing Business data for Morocco.
The reform, part of Morocco's 'Ease of Doing Business' program, involves digitizing registration processes and reducing bureaucratic steps. Demnati, founder of the startup incubator 'Startup Morocco', has been a vocal supporter, stating in a March 2026 interview with Le Matin that 'three days is achievable with political will and digital infrastructure.'
Despite progress, challenges persist. A 2025 report by the Moroccan Ministry of Economy noted that while 70% of applications are processed within five days, delays occur due to incomplete documentation and regional disparities. The government has set a target of 2027 for full implementation of the three-day timeline.
Demnati's comments have sparked debate among entrepreneurs. Some praise the ambition, while others, like business owner Ahmed Benali, told TelQuel in April 2026 that 'the reality on the ground is different, especially for small businesses outside major cities.' The reform remains a work in progress, with no official confirmation of the three-day goal being met as of today's date.
