Moroccan youth face rising emigration ambitions amid fading job prospects

A recent Afrobarometer survey reveals that 70% of young Moroccans are considering emigration as economic uncertainty, limited job opportunities, and institutional distrust deepen frustrations among the country’s youth.

Ambition meets systemic hurdles

For Morocco’s university graduates, education was once seen as a pathway to stability. Yet, for many, it has translated into long waits, precarious prospects, and tough decisions. Jobs remain the top concern for youth aged 18 to 35, with stable employment a near-universal aspiration. However, reality paints a challenging picture: over one-third of young Moroccans face unemployment, and more than half of those are actively searching without success.

Only 32% of young people report satisfaction with Morocco’s economic health, highlighting the disconnect between ambition and opportunity. This has led to a growing desire to explore life abroad, not for adventure, but for survival, dignity, and the chance to thrive.

Emigration as a solution

According to the survey, 59% of those considering emigration cite the need for work as the primary driver. The urge to leave reflects more than economic hardship; it signifies a broken sense of belonging and frustration with a system that fails to value talent and effort.

This trend is particularly alarming as it signals a potential talent drain, with Morocco's youth increasingly looking beyond its borders for the opportunities they cannot find at home.

Declining trust in institutions

The survey also highlights deep-seated disillusionment with Morocco’s political institutions. Trust in parliament sits at 32%, while confidence in the government stands at 35%. Political parties fare even worse, with only 23% of respondents expressing trust.

Young Moroccans are not just questioning the economy—they are scrutinizing leadership. Many feel that the government lacks accountability, with 25% of citizens believing it provides little to no transparency in its actions. Despite this, there remains a demand for change, with youth calling for a government that is effective, transparent, and responsive to their needs.

Priorities for a better Morocco

The younger generation’s demands are clear: 61% prioritize improving education, 60% want better healthcare, and infrastructure development follows closely. These priorities reflect a vision of a fairer, more functional state that provides opportunities for those willing to contribute.

Far from passive, Morocco’s youth remain determined. They understand the scale of the challenges ahead but refuse to resign themselves to failure. They seek more than survival—they seek recognition, opportunity, and meaningful change.