The World Bank praises the National Human Development Initiative as a leading model in the Middle East and North Africa.
In its annual report on human development in the Middle East and North Africa, the World Bank highlighted the National Human Development Initiative, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2005, describing it as a “leading model” in the region.
The report, titled “Adopting and Shaping Change: Human Development in a Transforming Middle East and North Africa,” emphasized the significant achievements of the initiative, particularly in enhancing access to early childhood services and combating social vulnerability.
In its third phase (2019-2023), with a budget of 18 billion dirhams, the initiative has redefined its priorities, shifting from infrastructure development to establishing participatory services, especially in education and early childhood health. Partnerships between the public and private sectors have contributed to improving indicators related to nutrition and maternal and child health, as well as reducing dropout rates.
The report also commended the participatory and decentralized nature of the Moroccan model, which promotes the involvement of local actors and ensures more coherent and tailored interventions based on needs. A digital platform has been adopted for tracking and evaluation, gathering data related to health, nutrition, and education, facilitating decision-making and guiding public policies. A new version of this tool is expected to be launched in 2025 to further support local committees.
Furthermore, the World Bank highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with environmental transition and the green economy. Its forecasts indicate that the development of renewable energies could create approximately 28,000 job opportunities in Morocco by 2030. The growth of online work is also contributing to expanding employment prospects, with Morocco being one of the leading contributors in the region to the global workforce on digital platforms.
