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Morocco’s industrial sector employs over 1 million workers, driving economic growth
Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour emphasized the pivotal role of Morocco’s industrial sector in the national economy, revealing that it employs 1.1 million workers and encompasses approximately 13,000 companies. Speaking during a session at the House of Councillors, the minister highlighted the sector’s contributions to economic activity, while addressing the pressing need to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The industrial sector’s workforce spans key industries, with the automotive sector leading at 260,000 workers, followed by textiles with 230,000. Other industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, account for the remainder.
“Moroccan industry recorded a turnover of nearly MAD 850 billion, with added value reaching MAD 250 billion,” Mezzour noted, underscoring the sector’s financial significance.
Supporting small businesses and innovation
Mezzour outlined initiatives to bolster SMEs, including allocating portions of public procurement contracts to smaller businesses. He stressed the importance of fostering innovation through collaboration between learning institutions, innovation centers, and companies, facilitated by the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property.
The minister’s remarks align with broader government efforts to support SMEs and startups. Minister of Labor Younes Sekkouri previously announced plans for a decree to streamline investment mechanisms for SMEs, linking state aid to job creation by these enterprises.
Employment challenges persist
Despite these initiatives, Morocco faces persistent unemployment challenges. According to the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the national unemployment rate rose from 13% to 13.3% last year, with 1.638 million unemployed individuals, marking a 4% year-on-year increase.
Although the economy created 82,000 jobs in the last quarter of the year—46,000 of which were generated by the industrial sector—this growth has not kept pace with the rising number of job seekers.
As Morocco continues to address unemployment, the industrial sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s economic strategy, with a focus on job creation, innovation, and SME development.