Unemployment in Morocco: Is a Job an Impossible Dream for Youth?

The path of Moroccan youth in the job market cannot be described as an impossible dream, but it is certainly full of challenges. Official figures indicate that obtaining a stable and suitable job has become a difficult goal to achieve for a large number of young people, especially higher education graduates.

A Bitter Reality and Alarming Numbers

  • High Unemployment Rates: According to data from the High Commission for Planning, the unemployment rate among youth aged 15 to 24 remains high, reaching 35.8% in the second quarter of 2025. This rate reveals a deep gap between educational outcomes and job market requirements.
  • Impact on Degree Holders: University and institute graduates suffer from alarming unemployment, with a rate of 19% in the second quarter of 2025. This reality raises significant questions about the efficiency of the education system in preparing youth for the labor market.
  • A Gap Between Public and Private Sectors: The formal public and private sectors find it difficult to absorb the growing numbers of unemployed youth, pushing many towards work in the informal sector or towards emigration.

Government Efforts and Initiatives to Address the Challenge

Despite these difficulties, the Moroccan government is striving to contain the unemployment crisis through a set of programs and initiatives:

  • “Forsa” (Opportunity) Program: This program aims to support small youth projects, provide the necessary funding to create businesses, and encourage entrepreneurship as an alternative to traditional employment.
  • Training and Qualification Programs: Many government institutions, such as the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC), are providing vocational training programs aimed at reducing the gap between available skills and company needs.
  • Major Investments: The large-scale development projects launched by Morocco, especially in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and the automotive industry, are expected to create new job opportunities for youth.

Recommendations for Youth

Under these circumstances, relying solely on academic qualifications is no longer enough. Young people should consider new ways to increase their chances in the job market:

  • Skills Development: Mastering foreign languages, developing digital skills, and training in soft skills (such as communication and teamwork) have become crucial factors in securing a job.
  • Entrepreneurship: Creating small or medium-sized enterprises can be a viable solution for youth, by taking advantage of government programs and the opportunities offered by the digital economy.
  • Flexibility and Adaptation: Young people must be prepared to work in different sectors and accept the idea of continuous evolution in their career paths.

The future of Moroccan youth in the job market is not impossible, but it requires joint efforts from them and the state. So, can the current initiatives rise to the level of the challenge and make a job an achievable dream?

From: Fes News

About محمد الفاسي