Morocco's youth population projected to decline significantly by 2050, UN report indicates
via Le Matin2 min read
A United Nations report, "World Population Highlights 2026: Youth," forecasts a notable shift in Morocco's demographic trajectory, with the 15-24 age group expected to decrease from 6.2 million in 2025 to 5.6 million in 2050, a reduction of approximately 580,000 young people. This represents nearly a 9% decline and marks a significant change, as youth have historically been a dominant demographic in Morocco. Their proportion of the total population is projected to fall from 20.9% in 2000 to 14.1% in 2025, and further to 7.6% by 2050, moving Morocco away from a predominantly young society. This demographic transformation is driven by declining fertility rates since the 1990s and increased life expectancy due to health advancements. The age pyramid is narrowing at the base and widening at the top, indicating a gradual shift towards an older population. This trend aligns Morocco with upper-middle-income economies experiencing similar dynamics, where youth populations are generally declining, with an expected 24% drop by 2050. This contrasts sharply with many other African low-income countries, where youth populations continue to grow rapidly. While a smaller youth population might temporarily ease pressure on education and labor markets, it raises concerns about workforce renewal, social system financing, and economic growth in the medium term. The UN report emphasizes that the focus for public policies should shift from managing a growing youth population to maximizing the pote
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A recent study presented at the first International Day of Women in Industry in Morocco reveals significant progress in the role of women within the country's industrial sector. Morocco's overall gender parity rate stands at 41%, surpassing several reference economies including France 30%, the United States 28.7%, and the United Kingdom 28.4%. This dynamic is evident across key industrial branches, with textiles leading at 62% female participation, followed by pharmaceuticals 44%, agri-food 43%, and the automotive, aeronautical, and leather industries 41%. The period between 2015 and 2025 has seen a profound shift in the industrial employment market, characterized by a move towards higher value-added activities. This has led to a decrease in the proportion of female operators to 48% -4 points, interpreted as an upward mobility of women towards more skilled and better-paid positions. The share of women in qualified positions has risen to 32%, a 6-point increase over ten years, primarily driven by the automotive, textile, and agri-food sectors. Access to leadership roles is also accelerating, with women now accounting for 30% of senior executives and directors, an 8-point increase since 2015. This progression extends to managerial positions 31%, +6 points, engineers and executives 30%, +5 points, and technicians 33%, +6 points. The aeronautical sector is a major driver of professional advancement, with 39% of women in qualified positions +8 points and becoming the second-larges
Must ReadMorocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, participated in an extraordinary session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level. The meeting focused on discussing Iran's repeated aggressions against Arab countries and their impact on regional and international peace and security. The goal was to establish a unified Arab stance to address these violations, end them, and counter threats to state stability. Morocco, under King Mohammed VI, has consistently condemned Iranian aggressions against Arab nations, expressing full solidarity and support for measures taken to defend sovereignty and ensure the security of citizens and residents, in accordance with international law. Morocco was also among the first countries to welcome the truce between the United States and Iran, and the initiation of negotiations, hoping for a political agreement to resolve the conflict and Iranian threats in the region. The Kingdom of Bahrain, current president of the Council at the ministerial level, convened the meeting amidst a regional context of caution and vigilance following the Washington-Tehran truce.
Olympic Club de Safi's inaugural CAF Confederation Cup campaign, though historic for the club, concluded in the semi-finals, marked by a struggle to convert dominance into goals. The Moroccan team, dubbed the "Safi Sharks," started strong with a 5-0 victory against ASN Nigelec in the qualification phase and progressed through the first round. However, the knockout stages presented challenges, as the team often failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities. The Confederation of African Football CAF highlighted OC Safi's limited effectiveness, noting a "frustrating" pattern of domination and significant chances that ultimately cost them a place in the final. A striking statistic from CAF revealed that OC Safi recorded five consecutive draws, a first in the competition's history. This streak began on February 14, 2026, against USMA in the group stage, followed by two draws against Wydad and Union Sportive d'Alger in the semi-finals. Against the Algerian opponents, OC Safi failed to secure a win in four encounters three draws, one loss, scoring only one goal despite 41 shots and an "expected goals" total of 3.4. The club won four of its first five matches in the 2025-2026 edition before the five consecutive draws. Moussa Koné emerged as the top scorer from the bench in this edition, netting three goals from three shots on target. Despite falling short of the final, OC Safi gained valuable experience from their historic first participation.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, following an exceptional season with Real Betis, has become a highly sought-after player in La Liga. With 11 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches, the African champion's consistent progression, speed, and dribbling skills have attracted the attention of several top European clubs. FC Barcelona is reportedly closely monitoring its former player as a credible alternative if a deal for Marcus Rashford does not materialize, according to the Spanish newspaper "AS." The uncertainties surrounding Rashford's cost and recent performances have led Barcelona to explore other options, with Ezzalzouli seen as a strategic choice to bring speed and impact on the left flank. Barcelona also retains a percentage on any future resale, which could facilitate the acquisition, while Betis has set an asking price of approximately 30 million euros. Ezzalzouli is also linked with clubs in the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga. In contrast, Sofyan Amrabat's situation at Betis is more precarious. Despite arriving with high expectations, the Moroccan midfielder has not consistently performed well enough to fully convince Betis management. His inconsistent displays have led the club to reconsider activating his purchase option, estimated at around 10 million euros. His high salary is also a factor given the club's budget constraints, which are dependent on sporting results. The final decision on Amrabat largely depends on Betis's qualification for a European competition next se