El Skouri: Africa has the opportunity to assert its decision-making independence, and development depends on radical reforms
The Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Enterprises, Employment, and Skills, Younes El Skouri, called on African nations to seize the opportunity to enhance their economic independence and developmental vision. He emphasized that economic success on the continent cannot be achieved without a strong social dimension that ensures stability and addresses marginalization.
During his speech at the Parliamentary Forum for Economic Cooperation between Morocco and CIMAC in Laayoune, El Skouri stated that building practical tools such as integrated economic systems, production capacities, and joint financing represents the best way to affirm African decision-making independence. He considered Morocco a model in this direction through its openness to the world and its deep pride in its African identity.
The minister stressed that the success of any economic initiative is contingent upon a clear political will and a robust institutional framework that ensures effective governance. He pointed out that since its formation, the Moroccan government has prioritized ensuring social stability and national cohesion as essential conditions for economic success.
El Skouri linked economic success to the necessity of having a social dimension that ensures no segment of society is marginalized. He explained that Morocco has chosen this path through launching rounds of social dialogue and enhancing the role of social and economic partners in shaping the outlines of the upcoming phase.
The minister asserted that creating economic dynamics requires developing trade exchanges, attracting investments, and providing skilled labor. He urged African countries to confront challenges collectively to achieve this shared goal.
In the area of human resource development, El Skouri revealed the launch of a national strategy to empower youth with job opportunities that preserve their dignity, particularly for those without university qualifications. He regarded vocational training as the most effective means to achieve this ambition.
The minister outlined the results of the roadmap for vocational training reform, which resulted in the establishment of 12 vocational towns and the restructuring of training for 600,000 beneficiaries. He noted that this dynamic also included raising the minimum wage to ensure fairer work conditions.
El Skouri confirmed that cooperation between Morocco and the African countries present at the forum is a successful model, particularly in the fields of training and employment. He emphasized that the issue of employment is closely linked to investment attractiveness and the development of trade exchanges. He concluded that addressing economic challenges can no longer rely on traditional globalization but rather on enhancing regional integration and joint action.
