Overview of Unemployment Trends in Morocco
In early 2026, Morocco experienced a notable rise in unemployment, with the number of strictly unemployed individuals reaching 1,253,000. According to a recent labor market report published by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), women make up a significant portion of this demographic, accounting for 31.3% of the unemployed. The overall unemployment rate in the country stood at 10.8%, with women facing a higher unemployment rate of 16.1% compared to 9.4% for men. Alarmingly, young Moroccans aged between 15 and 24 are disproportionately affected, with an unemployment rate of 29.2%, followed closely by those aged 25 to 34 at 16.1%. This situation underscores the critical challenges faced by the younger population in securing stable employment.
Additionally, the report highlights that approximately 671,000 individuals who are employed are suffering from insufficient working hours, further complicating the broader picture of labor market stability. The potential workforce is estimated at 884,000, which constitutes about 5.5% of those not currently participating in the labor force. In total, Morocco's working-age population, defined as individuals aged 15 and older, is around 27.8 million. Within this demographic, the labor force comprises 11,617,000 individuals, with women representing 21% of this group.
Labor Utilization and Strategic Changes in Reporting
The labor force demographics reveal that the most substantial representation comes from individuals aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 44, making up 56.7% and 56.5%, respectively. Conversely, the youngest age group, those aged 15 to 24, accounts for the smallest share of the labor force at 23.4%. Overall, the total number of employed individuals in Morocco stands at 10,364,000, with women contributing nearly 19.7% to this figure. The HCP's report also indicates that the composite rate of labor underutilization, which assesses the overall unmet demand for work, has reached a staggering 22.5%. This rate is particularly pronounced among the youth aged 15 to 24, where it climbs to 45.3%, and among women, at 31.1%.
Significantly, the HCP emphasizes that the 2026 Labor Force Survey (EMO 2026) represents a pivotal moment in Morocco's approach to labor market studies, aligning more closely with international standards established during the International Labour Organization's (ILO) series of conferences. Key changes include a refined definition of employment, focusing solely on activities performed for pay or profit, and a more precise definition of unemployment aimed at capturing immediate labor market pressures. Furthermore, the measures of labor underutilization have been broadened to include time-related underemployment and the potential workforce, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play in Morocco's labor market.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
