Morocco Outperforms Africa and Competes with Spain in Reducing Unemployment
In a continent where unemployment rates reach some of the highest levels in the world, and next to a unified European neighbor known for its strong economic bloc, Morocco stands out as a notable exception. The country recorded a significant decrease in its unemployment rate during the second quarter of 2025, settling at 12.8%. Interestingly, this figure is not far from Spain’s rate of 10.8%, despite Spain benefiting from its European Union membership and a robust economy.
A recent report from the High Commission for Planning confirmed this development, indicating a reduction of about 38,000 unemployed individuals over a single year, with declines observed in both urban and rural unemployment, reflecting an overall improvement in the labor market dynamics.
This trend positions Morocco favorably within the African continent. In countries like South Africa, unemployment remains high at 32.9%, potentially skyrocketing to 43% when factoring in inactive groups. Namibia reports 36.9%, while Angola, Libya, and Tunisia have unemployment rates ranging from 15% to 30%, according to reliable international institutions.
The comparison with Spain carries particular significance. A country belonging to the second-largest regional economy in the world, and receiving substantial European support, shows an unemployment rate comparable to Morocco, which lacks similar resources and backing. This narrow difference underscores the effectiveness of Moroccan economic policies focusing on investment, infrastructure, and human resource development.
However, despite this progress, the report highlights real challenges, notably the increase in underemployment, which reached 10.6% nationwide. Many citizens work in jobs that do not match their skills or provide stable income. The construction sector exemplifies this issue, with a rise of 3.3 points, followed by manufacturing and the service sector.
In the same context, another dilemma arises concerning the gender gap. Female unemployment stood at 19.9%, nearly double that of males (10.8%). Youth unemployment remains high, particularly in the 15 to 24 age group, where the rate is 35.8%, raising questions about the effectiveness of policies targeting this demographic.
Nevertheless, there are encouraging indicators worth noting. The unemployment rate among vocational training graduates decreased from 23.2% to 20.8%. This improvement partially reflects the effectiveness of government programs linking vocational education to labor market needs.
The message is clear: Morocco is gradually succeeding in reducing unemployment, despite geographical constraints and limited resources. It is nearing employment levels comparable to European nations and strengthening its position as an emerging African economy.
This achievement is no mere coincidence; it results from balanced choices that integrate growth with spatial and social justice, relying on governance as a fundamental lever in employment policies and resource management.
