A recent report from the Policy Center for the New South suggests that Morocco could generate up to 1.7 million additional jobs and increase its real GDP by nearly 20% above baseline levels by 2035, but only if a comprehensive reform program is implemented. The study, released in early 2025, emphasizes the need for structural changes in education, labor markets, and the business environment to unlock this potential.
The report, titled "Morocco 2035: A Vision for Inclusive Growth," was prepared in collaboration with international experts. It notes that without reforms, the country's growth could stagnate, failing to absorb the growing working-age population. Key recommendations include improving the quality of education to match labor market demands, reducing barriers to private investment, and enhancing social protection systems.
According to the World Bank, Morocco's GDP growth was around 3.4% in 2024, with unemployment at approximately 12.8%. The proposed reforms aim to accelerate growth to over 5% annually, which would be necessary to achieve the job creation targets. The report also highlights the importance of digitalization and green energy transitions as sectors with high employment potential.
Critics, however, warn that previous reform efforts have faced implementation challenges due to political and bureaucratic hurdles. The government has acknowledged the need for action but has not yet committed to a specific timeline for the proposed measures. The report's findings are seen as a roadmap for policymakers ahead of the 2026 budget discussions.
