The Landscape of Scholarly Publishing in Morocco

This article explores the current state of scholarly publishing in Morocco, shedding light on the historical and systemic issues affecting the field. Over the past twenty years, Moroccan universities have made strides in advancing scientific research. Nevertheless, the scholarly publishing landscape is marked by significant challenges, including limited journal indexing, poor distribution networks, and insufficient funding. By analyzing bibliometric data, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, and reviewing grey literature from national research organizations, the article offers a detailed assessment of Morocco’s research environment. It traces the historical evolution of scholarly publishing from pre-colonial times through colonial periods to the present, with a focus on influential journals like Hespéris-Tamuda. The study highlights persistent issues such as inadequate financial resources, governance problems, and irregular journal publications. It calls for comprehensive reforms to enhance the sustainability, visibility, and impact of Moroccan academic research, advocating for a more collaborative and robust research ecosystem.