Morocco’s Rise in Global Remote Working Index: Cybersecurity and Affordability Leading Factors

Morocco’s performance in this year’s index represents a fairly significant improvement over its 2022 ranking, published last July. At the time, it ranked 60th out of a total of 66 nations, or 12 places gained. This year, the Kingdom’s success is particularly notable as the index has expanded to include 108 countries.

In its approach, the GRWI assesses the potential of the countries studied to be among the main remote working destinations. This index measures four main dimensions: cyber security, economic security, digital and physical infrastructure, and social security.

Cyber ​​security refers to a wide range of factors that constitute a safe and secure digital environment required for remote working. This dimension covers infrastructure integrity, response capacity to digital threats and the level of targeted cybersecurity legislation.

As for the concept of economic security, it encompasses the different economic aspects of living and working in a particular country. This concept refers to the cost of living, access to health care, ease of communication and opportunities for quality free time.

Concerning the digital and physical infrastructure dimension, this refers to the country’s digital capabilities to provide and support stable, fast and extensive Internet service and to ensure convenient and safe physical infrastructure for travel.
As for social security, it integrates the social and physical security aspects linked to working and living remotely. It combines elements of overall security against crimes within a country with measures assessing equity and access to human rights.

Morocco at 48^th world rank

Thus, Morocco tops the African countries at 48th place in the world, with a jump of 12 places compared to the previous ranking, standing out particularly in terms of cybersecurity and affordable living expenses. Despite lagging behind in digital and physical infrastructure, its appeal to tourists and low cost of living make it an attractive option.

On the African continent, the Kingdom is ahead of Tunisia (53rd), the island of Mauritius (58th), South Africa (65th) and Egypt (69th), while Algeria is in 90th place. In the Arab world, Morocco ranks 3rd, behind Saudi Arabia (44th) and the United Arab Emirates (45th).

Which countries score the highest? With a score of 0.847, Denmark leads the GRWI 2023, excelling in digital and physical infrastructure (4th) and social security (6th). Despite a high cost of living (94th) and expensive internet (42nd), Denmark thrives on social inclusion (6th), internet quality (7th), electronic infrastructure (7th), electronic administration (5th) and healthcare (3rd). Which makes this country a prime location for remote working.

Second place goes to the Netherlands, which shines in social security (2nd), reflecting the importance of personal rights (3rd) and an inclusive culture (6th). A high ranking in the areas of digital and physical infrastructure (8th), economic security (11th) and cyber security (17th) confirms its strong position in these areas.

Germany, a European economic giant, occupies third place in the GRWI. It stands out in terms of cybersecurity (4th), particularly in legal measures (1st), and economic security (6th), particularly in tourist attractiveness (2nd). Despite lower rankings in overall security (33rd) and digital and physical infrastructure (22nd), its “affordability” in internet service (1st) balances the score.
“Higher-ranked countries across the GRWI tend to be more expensive to live in. Yet Portugal has the smallest distance between these dimensions, ranks 6th overall and 56th in terms of cost of living, offering the best value for money among countries, Top 10 overall,” highlights NordLayer. .