Navigating E-commerce in Morocco: Databases, Regulations, and the Digital Landscape

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This article explores the evolving e-commerce landscape in Morocco, focusing on the significance of mobile phone number databases for marketing, the crucial role of e-commerce databases, and the overarching data privacy regulations that businesses must adhere to.

E-commerce Databases and Mobile Phone Numbers in Morocco:

Mobile Number Databases:
Mobile number databases for Morocco are marketed as tools for businesses to enhance their marketing strategies.
These databases are claimed to contain verified and active mobile numbers for B2C campaigns and targeted outreach.
Features often include accuracy (85-90% verification), custom audience segmentation for platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and suitability for the Moroccan consumer market.
Benefits highlighted are streamlined bulk SMS campaigns, access to B2C leads, targeted marketing, multi-channel campaign usability (SMS, WhatsApp, social media), and cost-effective marketing.

However, it is crucial for businesses to verify the morocco mobile phone number list legitimacy and compliance of such databases with data protection regulations to avoid legal issues and maintain ethical marketing practices. Purchasing and using such lists without ensuring proper consent and compliance can lead to significant legal repercussions.
E-commerce Databases:
E-commerce is a growing sector in Morocco, ranking fifth in Africa in terms of e-commerce activity.
Morocco has a high internet penetration rate in Africa, contributing to the growth of online transactions.
Online transactions using domestic cards saw a significant increase in 2020.
The "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy aims to further develop the digital infrastructure and workforce, which is expected to boost e-commerce growth. This includes training digital professionals and expanding internet connectivity.
The e-commerce landscape is seeing a move towards omnichannel integration by traditional retailers.
New regulations are being introduced to strengthen the competitiveness of local e-commerce operators. As of January 2024, a 20% VAT applies to many B2C digital services, and there's a cap on foreign funding for e-commerce platforms to encourage domestic investment.
Data from April 7, 2025, indicates that mobile e-commerce transactions volume was reported at 2,000 units daily. The average order value in e-commerce was reported at 120.461 USD on the same date.
Data Privacy Regulations in Morocco:

Morocco has a comprehensive legal framework for data protection, primarily governed by Law No. 09-08 on the Protection of Individuals with Regard to the Processing of Personal Data and its implementation decree.
Key principles of data processing include fairness, lawfulness, specific and legitimate purposes, adequacy, relevance, accuracy, and keeping data up-to-date.
Consent: Generally, the processing of personal data requires the prior consent of the data subject. Exceptions exist under specific circumstances, but the Moroccan Data Protection Commission (CNDP) often requires consent.
Data Security: Organizations are required to implement technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, or illicit processing.
Cross-border Data Transfers: Transfers of personal data to countries not on a list of approved countries are subject to specific conditions, including the data subject's explicit consent or authorization from the CNDP.
Direct Marketing: Direct marketing via automated systems, fax, email, or similar technologies using an individual's data without their express prior consent is prohibited. Email marketing may be allowed if the contact details were obtained directly from the recipient in the context of a sale, with an opt-out option provided.
Enforcement: The National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP) is responsible for enforcing the data protection law. Non-compliance can result in fines and/or imprisonment.