Morocco Sees Improvement in Education and Illiteracy Rates by 2024

Morocco has made significant strides in education over the past decade, with a notable reduction in illiteracy, particularly among women and rural populations. According to the latest census data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the national illiteracy rate dropped from 32.2% in 2014 to 24.8% in 2024. This decline is more pronounced in rural areas, where the illiteracy rate decreased from 47.5% to 38%. Urban areas also saw improvements, with the rate falling from 22.6% to 17.3%.

Women have experienced the most considerable progress, with their illiteracy rate decreasing from 42.1% to 32.4%. For men, the illiteracy rate also dropped from 22.2% to 17.2%. However, challenges remain, particularly for older populations, with 51% of Moroccans over 50 unable to read or write. In contrast, literacy rates among younger generations are much higher, with only 1.6% of children under 15 and 3% of those aged 15 to 24 being illiterate.

The HCP data also provides a regional breakdown of illiteracy rates, with the highest rates found in Beni Mellal-Khenifra (32%), Marrakech-Safi (28.8%), and the Oriental region (28.3%). In contrast, the lowest illiteracy rates are in Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab (14.8%), Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra (15.3%), Casablanca-Settat (19.6%), and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (22.4%).

In terms of education, Morocco is also seeing improvements in school enrollment. In the 2023/2024 school year, 62.7% of children aged 4 to 5 attended preschool, with urban areas (66.8%) outpacing rural areas (56.9%). Enrollment rates for children aged 6 to 11 increased from 94.5% to 95.8%, with a notable rise in school attendance among girls in rural areas, where the rate increased from 93.9% to 95.9%. Overall, the number of girls attending school has increased from 90% to 95.1%.

Among adults, education levels have also risen. The percentage of individuals aged 25 and older with at least a high school education grew from 30% to 39.1%. Meanwhile, the number of people without any education decreased from 44.6% to 36.3%. However, a gender gap persists, with 45.7% of men having at least a high school education compared to 32.7% of women.

These improvements reflect Morocco’s ongoing efforts to enhance education and reduce illiteracy, particularly among vulnerable groups, while underscoring the need to address remaining regional and gender disparities.