Editor’s Note
This interview highlights the growing imperative for Morocco’s automotive industry to integrate ESG principles into its supply chains, a move increasingly demanded by global partners and essential for long-term competitiveness.
Interview with the Managing Director of BEYOND CERTIFICATION Morocco
In this interview, the Managing Director of BEYOND CERTIFICATION Morocco discusses the critical importance for Moroccan companies operating in the automotive sector to adopt ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards within their supply chains.
What is your roadmap for ESG adoption in Morocco’s supply chain, particularly for the automotive sector?
“Our objective is to facilitate the widespread adoption and integration of internationally recognized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards within the Moroccan supply chain and to assess their level of compliance through audits. This will help the Moroccan industry, particularly the automotive sector, to align its practices with global expectations for sustainable development, improve its competitiveness, and demonstrate its commitment to implementing responsible and ethical business practices.”
Why is it so important to adopt these standards?
“First, it’s a global trend. Today, great importance is placed on sustainable development, ethical business practices, and responsible governance. International organizations, investors, and consumers significantly favor companies that adhere to these standards.”
“Then there are supply chains and international trade. The Moroccan industry, particularly the automotive sector, is integrated into the international supply chain. Many multinational corporations require their suppliers to adhere to ESG standards such as RBA and BSCI to ensure ethical and sustainable practices. By adopting these standards, Moroccan companies can access international markets and maintain their competitiveness.”
“There is also a growing local demand for sustainable development, in the sense that we are observing a growing awareness of environmental and social issues, in Morocco as well.”
“Finally, the automotive sector is one of the key sectors in Morocco, and international equipment manufacturers demand greater compliance with ESG standards from their suppliers. By adopting these standards, the Moroccan automotive industry will strengthen its positioning and attract international brands and customers.”
What is your dedicated approach for the automotive sector’s supply chain in Morocco?
“We base our approach on three main pillars. First, skills enhancement. It is necessary to first improve the skills of our auditors and then stimulate the qualification of internal consultants and trainers within Moroccan industries to effectively adopt and implement ESG standards. The second pillar focuses on raising awareness and mobilizing key stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, and workers, about the importance and benefits of adhering to standards like IWA 48:2024, RBA, SMETA, and BSCI. The third and final pillar is related to strengthening overall Moroccan capacities, including us as a Moroccan Certification Body reinforced by the experience of our German partner, so that we can support the implementation of standards IWA 48:2024, RBA, and BSCI in Morocco. This involves working with other national partners and actors to develop infrastructure, improve operational processes, and ensure the availability of necessary resources to effectively meet ESG requirements.”