Demographic Opportunity Provides Morocco with Promising Economic Potential Amidst Deep Population Changes
Mohamed Fassi Fihri, director of the Center for Demographic Studies and Research, confirmed that Morocco is currently experiencing a phase of “demographic opportunity” due to the continuous increase in the number of active population, particularly in the age group of 15 to 60 years, which is expected to continue growing until 2030.
This statement was made during a presentation at a meeting organized by the High Commissioner for Planning and the United Nations Population Fund on the occasion of World Population Day, where the World Population Report for 2025 was presented.
Fassi Fihri emphasized that this situation provides Morocco with a demographic asset that can turn into economic gains if effective public policies are implemented in the areas of health, education, and employment, alongside encouraging saving and investment. He pointed out that the Kingdom is completing a demographic transition towards a population model similar to that of advanced countries, characterized by declining fertility, increased life expectancy, and slowed demographic growth.
He revealed that Morocco’s fertility rate has decreased from 7.2 children per woman in 1960 to 1.97 currently, which is below the generational replacement threshold of 2.1. This decline is attributed to several factors, including delayed marriage age, increased use of contraceptive methods, improved child health, higher educational attainment for women, and changing societal values. He also noted that the proportion of children under 15 is expected to drop to 21 percent by 2030, down from 26 percent currently, while the number of individuals over 60 is projected to rise to 6.1 million, or 15 percent of the population.
The United Nations Population Fund report, titled “Real Challenges in Fertility,” indicated that millions of people worldwide are not having the desired number of children, not out of a rejection of parenthood but due to social and economic barriers. The report revealed that 33 percent of Moroccans over 50 years have not achieved their desired number of children, with 47 percent of them citing financial difficulties.
The meeting featured contributions from experts from various national and international academic and research institutions, enriching the discussion on population policies and ways to leverage demographic changes for development. The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Population Fund in Morocco, launching a visual design that celebrates intergenerational dialogue, family cohesion, and Morocco’s diverse culture.
