United Nations Human Settlements Programme: Morocco Showcases Its Pioneering Experience in Direct Housing Support in Nairobi
Morocco’s innovative experience in direct housing support, led by the visionary guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, was highlighted on Thursday in Nairobi during the second session of the intergovernmental working group of experts with an unlimited composition on sustainable housing for all, organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
During a session titled “Launching Housing Solutions through National Urban Policies,” Fatna Chihab, Secretary-General of the National Housing Council, presented the direct housing support program launched in 2024, which replaces indirect support for property developers with direct financial assistance to households. The program aims to ensure a decent life for beneficiaries, promote social cohesion, and reduce spatial disparities.
As of October 13, 2025, the program has benefited 68,332 individuals, of whom 46% are women, 63% are youth under the age of 40, and 24% are Moroccans living abroad. Ms. Chihab emphasized that this program relies on digital governance, with applications processed through an online platform that ensures transparency, speed, and simplification of procedures.
Ms. Chihab also presented other notable national programs, including the “Cities Without Slums” program launched in 2004, which has benefited 1.5 million people, and the restructuring program for unserviced neighborhoods that integrates informal areas into the organized urban fabric.
The presentation highlighted effective financial tools, such as the Housing and Urban Integration Solidarity Fund, guarantee funds Fougarim and Fougalogi, and the Al Omrane Group, resulting from the integration of various public players in housing. This enhances partnerships between the public and private sectors, regulates prices, and ensures the quality of infrastructure.
Ms. Chihab announced that the Kingdom is preparing a rental housing program for the middle class and young couples, stressing that housing policy transcends mere economic dimensions to become an investment in human capital and social stability.
The Nairobi session brought together representatives from member states, international organizations, and experts to review progress and identify priority actions to promote adequate, sustainable, and accessible housing for all.
