Introduction of EMO2026 and Its Implications
In a significant move towards improving labor market statistics, Morocco's High Commission for Planning (HCP) has launched the new employment survey, EMO2026, in the first quarter of 2026. This survey is a complete overhaul of the previous national employment survey and is the first to fully adhere to the updated standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The scope of the survey has been expanded to include 135,000 households, and it is based on the 2024 census data, aiming to significantly enhance data quality, especially on a regional level.
Shifts in Employment Definitions and Alarming Statistics
The implementation of EMO2026 comes with a tightening of definitions regarding what constitutes employment. Under the new criteria, only individuals engaged in paid work or operating with a direct profit motive are considered employed; self-sufficiency activities have been excluded from this definition. As a result, from a total of 27.8 million Moroccans of working age, only 11.6 million are classified as part of the active workforce. The revised national unemployment rate, which adheres to stringent criteria (no employment, active job search, immediate availability), stands at 10.8%, affecting approximately 1.25 million people. Urban areas report a higher unemployment rate of 13.5%, in stark contrast to rural areas, where it is significantly lower at 6.1%.
For the first time, the HCP systematically assesses underemployment, which encompasses not only strict unemployment but also underemployment and potential workforce. This composite indicator reveals a concerning national figure of 22.5%, with a staggeringly high 45.3% among youth aged 15 to 24, indicating that nearly one in two young Moroccans is experiencing some form of underutilization in the labor market.
For further insights into the political backdrop, regional disparities, and implications for the upcoming parliamentary elections, please refer to our comprehensive analysis.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
