Morocco reports job growth as government reviews employment strategy progress

Aziz Akhannouch chaired a meeting Friday to assess progress in implementing the government’s employment roadmap, highlighting improved labor market indicators and continued job creation across key sectors.

Officials reported that Morocco’s economy created 850,000 jobs in non-agricultural sectors between 2021 and 2025, averaging 170,000 annually.

If current trends continue, including 233,000 jobs created in 2025 alone, total job creation could surpass 1 million positions by the end of 2026, excluding losses in the agricultural sector due to drought.

Sectoral updates presented during the meeting pointed to strong performance in agriculture and tourism. The agricultural season saw a rebound, generating 365 million workdays, up 7% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the tourism sector exceeded projections, creating 92,000 jobs against an initial target of 80,000.

Progress was also reported in support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises. Authorities received 170 project applications, primarily in industry, accommodation and food services. Of these, 21 projects were approved, representing total investments of 312 million dirhams ($31 million), with 49 million dirhams allocated in public support.

The government also reviewed measures aimed at increasing SME participation in public works and housing projects, with the goal of boosting local employment and improving access to public procurement opportunities.

As part of broader efforts to expand employment programs, the “Idmaj” and “Tahfiz” initiatives have been extended to new sectors, targeting young people without formal qualifications. A new program, “Tadarruj,” was also launched to expand apprenticeship-based training, with a goal of integrating 100,000 trainees annually into the labor market.

The meeting further addressed policies to combat school dropout rates, including expanding “pioneer middle schools” and second-chance education programs.

In addition, the government highlighted initiatives to support women’s participation in the workforce, including the creation of 40 model childcare centers, with plans to add 20 more. The program aims to reduce barriers related to childcare and help women balance professional and family responsibilities.

Akhannouch said the implementation of employment programs is moving in the right direction, calling on ministries to strengthen coordination and accelerate delivery, particularly for initiatives targeting youth, women and small businesses in rural areas.