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Moroccan government faces criticism over failed job creation pledge
The Moroccan government has fallen significantly short of its ambitious promise to create one million jobs during its current term, according to a new report by the Omega Center for Economic and Social Studies. Despite some gains in urban employment, the country has experienced a net loss of 99,000 jobs since 2022, exposing deep structural challenges in rural development and workforce inclusion.
Urban gains overshadow rural decline
The report highlights a stark contrast between urban and rural employment trends. While cities added 150,000 new jobs in 2022, rural areas lost 174,000 positions, resulting in a nationwide net loss of 24,000 jobs. The downturn continued in 2023, with rural regions shedding 198,000 positions. Despite urban areas adding 41,000 jobs, the national total saw a dramatic net decline of 157,000 positions.
This divide slightly narrowed in 2024 when urban centers added 162,000 jobs, and rural losses decreased to 80,000. However, the modest net gain of 82,000 jobs that year was insufficient to reverse the overall three-year deficit.
Structural issues and women’s participation
The Omega Center attributes the rural job losses to climate-related disruptions and insufficient investment in productive sectors, such as agriculture and rural industries. These regions remain highly vulnerable, with many households relying on agriculture, which is increasingly affected by unpredictable weather patterns.
The report also criticizes the government for failing to meet its targets for women’s employment. Female participation in the workforce stands at just 19%, far below the promised 30%. Women’s unemployment has risen to 19.9%, up from 17.7% the previous year, further exacerbating gender disparities in Morocco’s labor market.
A pledge in question
The promise to create one million jobs was a cornerstone of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s election campaign. However, the current trajectory suggests that achieving this target before the 2026 elections will require significant policy changes. Experts recommend targeted rural development initiatives, a stronger focus on women’s workforce participation, and investments in resilient, climate-adaptive economic sectors.
The report’s findings come as mounting public frustration over economic issues has led to protests, including a recent demonstration in front of Parliament in Rabat. The government’s ability to address these challenges may shape the political landscape ahead of the next election.