Morocco Launches Pilot Program for Digital Payments in Rural Cooperatives at SIAM 2026 BODY: Casablanca, Morocco – At the 18th International Agriculture Fair (SIAM) in Meknes, Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a pilot program to integrate digital payments into rural cooperatives, a move aimed at advancing financial inclusion and modernizing rural economies.
The pilot project, in collaboration with Bank Al — Maghrib (BAM), has equipped approximately 50 cooperatives with electronic payment terminals, allowing for transactions to be processed via card payments rather than cash. This initiative is a key component of Morocco’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy, targeting areas where cash transactions are prevalent and access to formal financial services is limited.
The project’s objectives extend beyond transaction facilitation; it seeks to encourage cooperatives to adopt more structured management practices. Electronic transactions offer improved traceability and accounting processes, which are crucial for the sustainability of small agricultural groups.
The initiative also involves several payment sector operators, although specific providers have not been disclosed. This pilot program is a significant step in Morocco’s broader digital payment infrastructure expansion, which includes the interoperable mobile payment system developed by Switch Al Maghrib (SWAM). While challenges such as infrastructure limitations and user comfort with cash transactions persist, the success of this pilot could pave the way for wider adoption of digital payments in rural areas, contributing to the country’s vision for a more inclusive and digital economy.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Oumaima Moho Amer
