A recent report by Morocco's High Commission for Planning (HCP), titled 'Informality, Gender and Aging: Cumulative Inequalities and Intergenerational Effects,' has shed light on the pervasive nature of informal employment in the country. According to the report, informal employment represented 76% of total employment in 2021, a figure that underscores the challenges facing the labor market.
The report, based on data from the 2021 national employment survey, indicates that informal employment is particularly prevalent among women and older workers. It also highlights the intergenerational transmission of informality, where children of informal workers are more likely to remain in the informal sector.
Informal employment is defined as jobs that are not registered with social security or other legal frameworks, leaving workers without access to benefits such as health insurance, pensions, or paid leave. The HCP report notes that this situation exacerbates inequalities and perpetuates poverty cycles.
The findings come as Morocco continues to implement economic reforms aimed at formalizing the economy and improving labor conditions. However, the high rate of informality suggests that significant challenges remain, particularly in sectors like agriculture, construction, and retail trade.
Experts call for targeted policies to address the root causes of informality, including improving access to education and training, simplifying business registration, and expanding social protection coverage. The HCP report serves as a critical tool for policymakers to design evidence-based interventions.
