Morocco’s decision to remain on GMT+1 year-round may be harming public health and road safety while delivering limited and uneven economic benefits, according to a report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.
The study examines what it describes as Morocco’s “time sovereignty” policy, adopted in 2018, which keeps the country on GMT+1, effectively permanent daylight saving time, except during Ramadan.
Citing international research, the report says darker mornings associated with permanent daylight saving time have been linked to increases in fatal traffic accidents.
In the western edges of time zones, fatal crash risks have risen by as much as 21.8% due to reduced early-morning daylight, it said.
The study also points to what researchers call “social jet lag,” a mismatch between the body’s internal clock and official time.
Such misalignment can reduce sleep duration and quality across large segments of the population, the report said.
According to the study, Moroccans lose an average of 19 minutes of sleep per night under the current system. Sleep loss has been associated in medical research with higher risks of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Teenagers are particularly affected, the report said, citing studies suggesting adolescents may lose up to 32 minutes of sleep per night under permanent daylight saving time, potentially affecting academic performance.
On energy savings, one of the main justifications for adopting daylight saving time, the study says there is no conclusive evidence Morocco has reduced electricity consumption.
It cites international examples, including a Turkish experiment that found no significant savings and a U.S. study that recorded a 1% increase in residential electricity use under daylight saving time.
Economically, the report says the benefits appear concentrated in specific sectors. Remaining on GMT+1 increases Morocco’s overlap with the European Union, which may benefit outsourcing services and some export industries.
However, the study notes that the policy reduces time overlap with London and New York, potentially complicating efforts to diversify trade and attract investment from English-speaking markets.
The report calls for mitigation measures, including delaying school and public-sector start times to 9 a.m. between November and February.
It also urges the government to publish its 2018 evaluation of the time change to enable transparent public debate.
In the medium term, the study recommends commissioning an independent cost-benefit analysis, possibly through the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and releasing detailed electricity consumption and traffic accident data for independent review.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.