Morocco's Economic Resurgence: Steady Growth Amid Adversity
Morocco's economy has showcased remarkable resilience, defying daunting challenges and steering towards sustained prosperity. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has expressed confidence, projecting a robust annual growth rate of 3% for the North African nation in 2024.
This optimistic outlook follows a significant setback, an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck central regions near Marrakech in September 2023. Despite this seismic blow, Morocco's resilience has been evident, buoyed by resurging external demand and strategic government investments.
The EBRD's recent report, released on Wednesday, highlights Morocco's positive growth trajectory, with forecasts suggesting an average economic expansion of 3.6% in 2025. Despite substantial expenditures on post-earthquake relief and reconstruction, the government remains committed to fiscal consolidation policies aimed at reducing public debt.
While inflation moderated to a manageable 3% by February 2024, unemployment remains a pressing concern. As of the end of 2023, joblessness soared to 13%, aggravated by widespread job losses due to prolonged drought.
Morocco's economic fortunes are intricately tied to its reliance on energy imports and the unpredictable climate, posing risks to its rain-fed agricultural sector. Recognizing this vulnerability, the country has embarked on efforts to diversify its economic base, aiming to mitigate risks associated with agricultural dependence.
The 2021 New Development Model, a state-endorsed roadmap for socio-economic progress, emphasized the urgency of fostering a diversified economy to counter the vulnerabilities of rain-dependent agriculture. Although the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP has steadily declined over the past decade, it still exceeds 10% as of 2023.
Beyond agricultural challenges, unemployment in Morocco stems from a complex blend of cultural factors, including persistent gender disparities, with female unemployment disproportionately high at 18%.
As Morocco navigates these economic complexities, its unwavering determination and resilience illuminate a path towards sustained growth and prosperity, even in the face of formidable obstacles.