Moroccan graduates increasingly drawn to the public sector, survey shows

Tuesday 09 September 2025 - 13:30

By: Sahili Aya

Moroccan graduates increasingly drawn to the public sector, survey shows

A recent survey conducted by Careers in Morocco, a platform specializing in employment, coaching, and career guidance, reveals a clear trend among the country’s young graduates: the public sector has become the most attractive employer.

The study, carried out between June 26 and July 22, 2025, gathered responses from 1,000 graduates of engineering schools, business schools, and prestigious universities. While in previous years private companies—especially multinationals—were gaining ground, today ministries, public offices, and state-owned enterprises have emerged as the top choice for many graduates.

Stability and competitive benefits

This preference is largely explained by the stability of public employment, as well as salaries and benefits that have become increasingly competitive. In some cases, compensation packages even surpass those offered by the private sector, particularly for executive and senior-level positions. Regular salary adjustments over the past decades have also helped narrow and even overturn the gap with private companies.

Graduates, especially engineers, architects, and business school alumni, rank job security, work-life balance, and opportunities for career advancement as decisive factors. Social prestige and the chance to contribute to major national projects also weigh heavily in their decisions.

Ministries and state institutions in high demand

Among public institutions, ministries are the most sought-after employers. The Ministry of Economy and Finance leads the ranking, attracting 43% of respondents, mainly business and finance graduates. It is followed by the Ministry of Interior (32%), the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (14%), and the Ministry of Equipment and Water (11%), particularly popular among civil engineers.

Beyond ministries, state-owned companies and offices also appeal strongly to graduates. The OCP Group tops the list, with 41% of respondents citing its international reputation, attractive salaries, and large-scale projects. It is followed by ONEE (electricity and water), ANCFCC, CNSS, ONCF, ONDA, and MASEN, each attracting specific profiles linked to their respective industries.

The survey also shows targeted interest in agencies such as ANRT and ONMT, which appeal to graduates specializing in telecommunications, IT, and marketing.