A linguistic shift is underway among Morocco's youth, with English increasingly replacing French as the preferred second language. According to a 2025 report by the British Council, 40% of Moroccans aged 15-24 now speak English, up from 30% in 2020. This change is driven by global media, tech jobs, and education reforms.
In 2024, Morocco's Ministry of Education announced plans to introduce English in primary schools starting in 2025, aiming to boost bilingualism. The move reflects a broader trend: French, once dominant due to colonial ties, is losing ground. A 2023 survey by the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis found that 65% of young Moroccans view English as more useful for careers than French.
However, French remains strong in government and business. The shift is gradual, with many families still valuing French for social mobility. Experts say this bilingual evolution is natural in a globalized world, but it may reshape Morocco's cultural and economic ties.
