Contractualization Policy in Moroccan Public Universities: Context, Mechanisms, and Outcomes

This paper examines the context, mechanisms, and impact of contractualization reforms within Morocco’s higher education sector, focusing on the period from the Emergency Plan 2009-2012 to the Esri Pact 2030. These reforms aimed to cultivate a results-oriented culture by enhancing the quality of budgetary systems through performance-based contracts between universities and the Ministry of Higher Education. Utilizing the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria, the study assesses the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of the reforms, with particular emphasis on improvements in financial management. The evaluation framework incorporates the Public Financial Management (PFM) Theory of Change, identifying key institutional and contextual factors that contribute to the success of these reforms. The findings highlight the conditions, strategies, and outcomes that drive the effectiveness of the contractualization process, offering insights into the relationship between policy design and enhanced financial governance in higher education. This research provides critical implications for policymakers and stakeholders involved in education sector reforms and public financial management.