Morocco reduces illiteracy but structural gaps persist nationwide

Tuesday 02 June 2026 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco reduces illiteracy but structural gaps persist nationwide

Morocco continues to lower its illiteracy rate, yet the phenomenon remains deeply rooted in society. The National Agency for the Fight against Illiteracy reports a national rate of 24.8% among people aged 10 and above, based on the 2024 population census. This means nearly one in four individuals still lacks basic reading and writing skills despite sustained public policies over the past decade.

The country has recorded measurable progress. The rate stood at 32.2% in 2014, marking a decline of 7.4 percentage points over ten years. Authorities attribute this improvement to expanded literacy programs delivered through public institutions and civil society networks. Around 2.4 million people have benefited from these initiatives over the past four program cycles, reflecting a large-scale national effort.

Persistent inequalities continue to shape outcomes. Women remain disproportionately affected, with an illiteracy rate of 32.4% compared to 17.2% for men. Rural areas also show a sharp divide, reaching 43.4% against 19.3% in urban settings. Women in rural communities face the highest exposure, with rates surpassing 55%, highlighting the intersection of gender and territorial inequality in access to education.

Age also plays a decisive role. Among people aged 50 and above, the rate reaches 51%, showing the lasting impact of earlier generations with limited access to schooling. These figures suggest that literacy policies must extend beyond youth-focused interventions and address older populations who missed formal education entirely.

The system also faces a structural renewal effect. Each year, around 400,000 people enter adulthood without basic literacy skills due to early school dropout. This constant inflow offsets part of the gains achieved through literacy campaigns. Authorities also report cases of regression, where some beneficiaries lose acquired skills due to lack of daily practice.

To address these challenges, Morocco relies heavily on partnerships with civil society organizations, which account for nearly 45% of program beneficiaries. The budget allocated to literacy programs reached 450 million dirhams in 2025. The strategy also integrates digital tools, including mobile applications such as Alpha Nour, Alpha Fellah, and Alpha Bahar, designed to expand access and improve learning continuity. The national roadmap extends toward 2035 with a focus on targeting, governance, and digital expansion.