Unemployment will be true test of Morocco's government policies

Al-Monitor Pro Members

Francisco Serrano

Journalist and analyst specialized in North Africa

Nov. 28, 2023

Despite a diversified economy, an expanding industrial base and rebounding tourist arrivals, joblessness continues to be one of Morocco’s biggest policy challenges. In the third quarter of 2023, annual unemployment climbed to 13.5%, over two points higher than a year before. This has happened despite the current government’s pledge to create 1 million new jobs over the 2022-2026 period. A combination of inadequate policies linked to the changing face of Morocco’s economy seems to be blunting job-creation efforts. As 2024 brings external and domestic economic threats, employment will be the true test of government policies.