Morocco's Urban Planning Achieves Over 90% Coverage, Boosting Economic Growth

Monday 14 April 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's Urban Planning Achieves Over 90% Coverage, Boosting Economic Growth

Morocco has achieved remarkable progress in its urban planning initiatives, surpassing 90% coverage of local municipalities. Currently, 1,341 out of 1,503 communes are operating under approved urban planning documents, reflecting a significant commitment to effective land management and sustainable development.

According to Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, the Minister of National Planning, this achievement is poised to have profound economic implications. Enhanced urban planning facilitates better land usage, attracts investment, and guides sustainable growth across various regions of the country.

This notable coverage rate signifies a pivotal moment in Morocco's strategy to manage urban expansion, stimulate private investment, and improve socioeconomic conditions in both urban and rural areas. In 2024 alone, local authorities reviewed 73,000 construction permit applications, approving 42,345. This surge in urban development is reshaping the nation’s infrastructure and contributing directly to economic growth.

Government-backed housing support programs have also made a significant impact, approving over 20,000 applications and supporting property ownership. These initiatives have generated approximately 60,000 jobs in the construction sector, which remains a crucial driver of employment in Morocco.

Minister El Mansouri emphasized a transformative shift in urban governance, focusing on flexibility and investment facilitation. The ministry's new approach aims to bridge the urban-rural divide by extending development efforts to under-resourced areas, addressing informal settlements, and ensuring equitable territorial interventions.

To further these objectives, the ministry has collaborated with the National School of Architecture in Fez to improve the urban landscape in the provinces of Taza and Taounate.

As Morocco continues its steady urbanization, the integration of strategic planning, investment incentives, and social equity policies will be essential to ensure that economic growth translates into inclusive and resilient urban development.