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Morocco is witnessing a surge in its traditional craft sector, as highlighted by the recent statements from State Secretary for Traditional Industry and Social Economy, Lahcen Saidi. With over 446,000 artisans registered, the government reveals impactful initiatives aimed at bolstering this vital area of the economy, emphasizing its role in job creation and cultural preservation.
Revitalizing the Artisan Sector
In a recent session of the Parliamentary Council of Advisors, Lahcen Saidi presented impressive progress made by the Ministry of Traditional Industry and Social Economy. The sector has seen a significant organizational transformation, indicated by the registration of 446,000 artisans and the establishment of 272 artisan associations at regional and local levels up to mid-May. With over 65,000 cooperatives across the country serving approximately 800,000 members, these statistics highlight a dynamic movement towards enhancing the sector’s contribution to Morocco’s economic and social landscape.
Advancements Under Law 50.17
Saidi pointed out that the implementation of Law 50.17, which governs the activities of traditional crafts, has made substantial strides. The establishment of a digital platform for the national register has successfully incorporated artisans, cooperatives, and craft enterprises, facilitating easier access to administrative services. The introduction of a new professional card for artisans further streamlines this process, featuring a design aimed at improving administrative interactions.
Fostering Social Economy and Cooperatives
The social economy sector has emerged as a crucial pillar for wealth generation and job creation, particularly in rural areas. Saidi noted that cooperatives alone contributed to the creation of over 24,558 direct job opportunities in 2025. Noteworthy is the “Mouazara” program, which has facilitated the launch of 10,423 new jobs from 2025 to 2026, financing 792 projects while allocating over half of its budget to assist regions affected by the Al Haouz earthquake.
In collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Saidi also announced the “Tahfiz-Nassoua” initiative. This program focuses on empowering women’s collective initiatives, aiming to train 1,200 women, form over a thousand cooperatives, and create around 5,000 new jobs by 2028.
Promoting Traditional Craftsmanship
Highlighting the importance of traditional crafts as bastions of Moroccan cultural identity, Saidi stated that the sector is essential in representing the nation’s heritage. Between 2021 and 2025, the government organized twenty regional fairs that generated approximately 200 million dirhams in sales and conducted 16 mobile markets that contributed another 60 million dirhams. The Ministry has also prioritized the preservation of skills associated with 32 crafts under threat of extinction through its “Maallem” digital platform, benefiting 257 youth through the “Moroccan Craft Treasures” program dedicated to the transmission of ancestral knowledge and expertise.
Strengthening Human Resources
On the administrative front, Saidi affirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing sectoral dialogue and improving employee conditions. This commitment is underscored by the addition of over 150 new staff members and a 30% increase in the budget allocated for compensation. Measures have also been implemented to ensure the regular payment of salaries for workers within the chambers of traditional crafts and to elevate their social protection.
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Explore the revitalization of Morocco’s traditional crafts as the government boosts job creation and cultural heritage initiatives.
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Discover how Morocco is empowering its artisans and revitalizing traditional crafts to drive economic growth and preserve cultural identity.
