Bank Al-Maghrib report highlights nearly 3 million Moroccan youth out of employment, education, or training

A recent annual report by Bank Al-Maghrib reveals that nearly 3 million Moroccans aged 15 to 29 are not engaged in employment, education, or training, underscoring persistent weaknesses in the labor market. This figure includes not only unemployed youth but also those not actively seeking work. For the 15-24 age group, 23.2% are in this situation. The report indicates that less than four out of ten working-age individuals were employed in 2025, with only 177,000 of 407,000 new working-age individuals entering the job market. The unemployment rate for 15-24 year olds rose to 37.2% in 2025, a 0.5 point increase, contrasting with a 0.8 point rise in activity for the 25-34 age group. Urban areas saw nearly half of active youth unemployed at 48%, while rural areas experienced an increase to 22.7%. The majority of the 1.6 million unemployed in 2025 were under 35, with 15-24 year olds accounting for 30.5% and 25-34 year olds for 45.7%. Over half of the unemployed 52.9% were first-time job seekers, and 64.8% had been seeking employment for over a year. Despite the creation of 193,000 jobs in 2025, primarily in non-agricultural sectors services, construction, industry, and a 4.9% economic growth, job creation remains insufficient to absorb new entrants and significantly reduce unemployment. The report also highlights job fragility, with only 54% of salaried workers having a contract and 68.4% of workers lacking medical coverage. Bank Al-Maghrib emphasizes the need to improve youth pre