Morocco is facing a major demographic shift that could reshape its economy and workforce in the coming decades, according to a study by the National Observatory for Human Development.
The report, based on the 2024 general census, highlights falling birth rates, longer life spans, and changes in family and urban structures that could slow growth if not addressed.
The share of Moroccans over 60 has risen from 9.4 % in 2014 to 13.8 % in 2024, while the youth population now accounts for 26.5 %, down from 28.2 %. This aging population, combined with a shrinking working-age group, means fewer people will be available for the labor market.
Current labor laws often push older adults out of work. The study urges more flexible policies to keep them active and benefit from their experience.
Urban areas such as Casablanca, Tangier, Rabat, Marrakech, Fez, and Agadir are growing fastest, driven by jobs, business opportunities, and infrastructure. Rural regions are expanding more slowly and face pressures from climate change, including droughts and floods, accelerating migration to cities.
Smaller families, averaging 3.9 people, and the rise of single living, especially among older adults and women, are reshaping society and creating new social and health needs.
The observatory warns Morocco must invest in education, health, and workforce integration to capitalize on demographic changes rather than face economic strain. Gaps in schooling, vocational training, and employment opportunities leave young people vulnerable, while informal work and digital pressures, including social media’s mental health impact, complicate the picture.
The study calls for developing an “economy of care” to support older adults, improving housing quality, expanding green spaces, and strengthening climate resilience in urban planning.
It concludes that with effective human capital policies, Morocco can turn demographic trends into a source of growth, moving beyond middle-income status and building a more resilient, inclusive economy.
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