Moroccan Government approves draft law on higher education, several decrees

Morocco’s government council, chaired Thursday by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, approved a draft law on higher education and scientific research, along with several decrees concerning education, taxation and agriculture, according to an official statement.

The draft law, presented by Higher Education Minister Azeddine El Midaoui, seeks to strengthen the role of universities and research institutions in advancing national development priorities and training qualified human capital. It is part of the implementation of framework law No. 51.17 on education, training and scientific research, adopted in 2019.

The council also approved a draft decree revising compensation for overtime teaching hours for public school staff. Introduced by Education Minister Mohamed Saad Brada, the measure raises both the pay rate and the maximum number of additional weekly teaching hours.

Officials said the goal is to encourage teachers to take on more classes, support efforts to curb dropout rates and advance the 2022-2026 education reform roadmap.

In a separate move, the council approved a decree amending regulations on a parafiscal levy known as the “solidarity tax against catastrophic events.” Finance Minister Nadia Fettah said the measure supports Morocco’s disaster solidarity fund, created under law No. 110.14 on catastrophic risk coverage.

Another decree, presented by Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari on behalf of Budget Minister Faouzi Lekjaa, suspends import duties on live cattle. The government said the decision aims to secure meat supplies for the domestic market and help rebuild the national herd.

The council also reviewed an agreement between Morocco and the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI) to establish the group’s permanent headquarters in Rabat. A related draft law approving the agreement was presented by Government Spokesman Mustapha Baitas on behalf of Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.