1/4 The Creative task-force’s Eclipse in Morocco: Why Digital Agencies Are to Blame?

Morocco is full of creative talent, especially in design and digital art. Sadly, these talents often remain hidden. It’s a puzzle. The national will is there: modernization, digitization, and exporting local expertise. So why do these talents stay unknown or undervalued? The answer lies in the way digital agencies work with freelancers. It’s a complicated topic I hold close to my heart. This article digs deep, using data, real stories, and clear examples to shed light on a mostly ignored, almost taboo problem. This is just one in a series of pieces on this topic – a kind of column that’s just my take and others who feel like I do.

The problem of not getting credit

Not giving credit to freelancers in the creative field is a big issue in Morocco. A recent study showed that nearly 60% of freelancers here don’t get proper credit for their work. This is troubling for many reasons. First, not getting credit can really discourage talents since they get no visibility or professional respect. Plus, it seriously hurts their career. Without credit for what they’ve done, how can they show their skills and value in both local and global markets?

Effects on the reputation of Moroccan creatives? Yes. Not recognizing freelancers has direct effects on their reputation and professional growth. Without getting credit, it’s super hard for these creatives to build a strong portfolio and grow in their field. This is even more worrying when you think about how Morocco struggles to keep its talents. More and more skilled professionals are looking for chances outside Morocco, leading to a “brain drain” that weakens our local creative scene even more.

What’s often overlooked in this debate is the huge economic impact of this neglect. Look at South Korea, where the “K-Design” label brought in more than 10 billion dollars from exports in 2020. Imagine if Morocco could create a label as strong as “DESIGNED IN MOROCCO”. It could be a big driver for our economy. But to do this, we first have to solve the problem of not recognizing local talent. If not, we miss a golden opportunity to make money and take our creative capital global.

Creative economy MADE IN MOROCCO?

Again, let’s think about the big economic impact of this neglect. Look at South Korea, where the “K-Design” label brought in more than 10 billion dollars from exports in 2020. Imagine if Morocco could create a label as strong as “DESIGNED IN MOROCCO”. That could really boost our economy.

But what if we went further with a label like “DESIGNED BY MOROCCAN”? This label would go beyond just where something is made. It would celebrate Moroccan talent wherever it’s found. It’s not just about products or services, but about people – the human talent that really drives our creativity and fresh ideas. This focus on individuals would be a true step towards shared recognition, shining a light on the skills and expertise of Moroccan designers, whether they’re in Morocco or anywhere else in the world.

To get there, we first have to solve the problem of not recognizing local talents. If not, we miss a golden chance to make money and take our creative capital global, while giving Moroccan creators the credit they deserve, wherever they are in the world.

“Economy and culture are not separate areas; they’re really two sides of the same coin.”

– Edward hopper

Copyrights, a universal right … everywhere … including Morocco : )

Beyond just the professional and money issues, there’s also a moral side. Copyrights are universal rights. In countries like South Korea, where the creative industry is booming, copyright is carefully respected. This creates a healthy environment where creatives are pushed to innovate and work on big projects. By not respecting these rights, we’re not just promoting a culture of exploitation, but also holding back a sector that could really help our economy grow.

Solution?

It’s not too late to make things right. We need a total redo of how agencies and freelancers work together. Clear communication, fair contracts, and most of all, public recognition of talents are a must. Agencies also have to teach their clients why it’s important to give freelancers credit, which in the end only adds value to the whole project.

Morocco is a country bursting with potential in the creative field. But this potential is seriously limited by unhelpful professional practices. It’s high time we recognized and valued our local talents. By doing this, we’re not just helping their personal growth but also paving the way for the economic growth of the entire country.

To be continued…