According to the Bank’s website, the Project Development Objective is to enhance the effectiveness of Morocco’s social protection system by improving (i) access and delivery of CTs and (ii) the existing social benefit package to include social services and productive economic inclusion programs.

Morocco's Direct Social Assistance program (DSB) is managed by the National Agency for Social Support (ANSS). It aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable citizens by providing direct financial support to meet their essential needs and address poverty and social inequality. The proposed project will aim to support the access to cash transfers by poor and vulnerable households covered by the DSB program and strengthen the program’s governance and existing delivery systems, in addition to its monitoring and evaluation system and grievance mechanism. It will contribute to developing operational links between the DSB program and social services so that poor and vulnerable households, including specific target groups of the DSB program, such as vulnerable children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, can have access to a comprehensive package of social services. The project will also facilitate access to existing productive and economic inclusion initiatives under the DSBc program.

Environmental and Social Risk Classification: Moderate

The project environmental risk is assessed to be low with minimal and manageable direct environmental impacts. The project primarily focus includes delivery and governance improvements of the cash transfer program, and advancements in digital infrastructure, while excluding activities such as civil works or land acquisition that could significantly impact the environment. The potential environmental risks are expected to be minimal and include: (i) energy consumption primarily resulting from Information Technology (IT) systems and data management which will be mitigated through resource efficiency measures; (ii) electronic waste (e-waste) generated from IT system upgrades within the DSB’s Management Information System, which will be managed through a waste management plan aligned with national regulations; and (iii) minor emissions from operational travel to rural areas. The project's reliance on digital platforms is also expected to reduce paper waste.

The social risk associated with the proposed project is considered moderate. The anticipated social impact of the project is expected to be significantly positive. The project is designed to improve the living conditions of vulnerable citizens in Morocco through cash transfers, strengthening existing delivery systems, and enhancing monitoring and evaluation mechanism. Specific positive impacts include: (i) improved financial stability and service delivery for families, particularly in underserved rural areas; (ii) enhanced human capital development and social and economic inclusion; (iii) improved quality of life, developmental outcomes, and social inclusion of beneficiaries through a comprehensive support system; (iv) comprehensive social services access for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities; and (v) facilitated access to economic and productive inclusion initiatives for vulnerable youth. The potential project social risks would include data privacy and protection issues and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development: US$ 250.00 million

World Bank

Mahdi Barouni
Senior Economist

Eric Zapatero Larrio
Senior Social Protection Specialist

Borrower/Client/Recipient

Ministry of Economy and Finance

Implementing Agencies

Agence Nationale de Soutien Sociale
Wafaa Jamali
General Director of ANSS
contact@anss.ma

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ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF THE WORLD BANK

The World Bank Inspection Panel is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by a World Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Inspection Panel, they may investigate to assess whether the World Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can contact the Inspection Panel or submit a complaint by emailing ipanel@worldbank.org. Information on how to file a complaint and a complaint request form are available at: https://www.inspectionpanel.org/how-to-file-complaint