Amid the rapid economic transformations taking place in Morocco, technical skills have become an essential requirement for youth integration into the labor market. The rise of sectors linked to digitalization, innovation, and artificial intelligence has made technical competencies a key criterion in hiring and a vital asset for keeping pace with the shift toward a competitive digital economy.
A Gap Between Education and Market Needs
A World Bank report emphasized that Morocco, like other countries in the region, must accelerate the development of its human capital with a focus on digital and technical skills. At the same time, the World Economic Forum highlighted a clear gap between what the educational system provides and what the job market actually demands, especially in high-tech fields.
Sectors With the Highest Demand for Technical Skills
According to the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, the sectors currently most in demand for labor include fields such as programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, along with jobs related to artificial intelligence and smart systems—areas that require specialized expertise and high-quality training.
Initiatives to Bridge the Skills Gap
In response, Moroccan vocational training institutions and universities are revising their programs to include modules related to modern technologies. The government, in partnership with the private sector, has launched initiatives to train thousands of young people in future-oriented professions, through programs like “Forsa” and “Awrach”, as well as other digital empowerment projects.
Additionally, a recent study conducted by Bayt.com revealed that more than 65% of companies in Morocco are looking for candidates with technical skills—even outside of purely technological fields—highlighting a growing reliance on tech-savvy profiles across industries.
Beyond Training: The Need for an Innovation-Friendly Ecosystem
Experts argue that equipping Moroccan youth with technical skills should go beyond training and include creating a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. Facilitating access to funding and mentorship for startups can help transform these skills into a true driver of economic and social development.
In this context, the main challenge remains building an integrated ecosystem that brings together training, career guidance, and employment, in order to tackle youth unemployment and open new horizons for a digital generation eager to take part in the economy of the future.
source : fes news media