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Morocco’s strides in social protection showcased at World Bank, IMF meetings
Morocco's advancements in social protection took center stage on Wednesday during the "MENA Social Protection Roundtable," a pivotal event at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings.
Wafaa Jamali, Director General of Morocco’s National Agency for Social Support (ANSS), highlighted the nation's recent initiatives aimed at enhancing support for its most vulnerable citizens. She asserted that social protection, traditionally viewed as a hallmark of wealthier nations, is now becoming a tangible reality across the Middle East and North Africa.
“Morocco has proudly joined the group of countries that are reshaping this narrative,” Jamali stated, emphasizing that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a critical reevaluation of the country’s social policies.
Under the stewardship of King Mohammed VI, Morocco embarked on a significant reform journey, commencing with the introduction of universal health insurance in 2022. This was followed by the launch of a comprehensive cash transfer program in 2024, aimed at assisting families in need.
This initiative currently supports approximately 4 million households, benefiting over 12 million individuals, including 5.6 million children and more than one million elderly citizens. Families receive monthly financial aid for each child from birth until the age of 21.
To ensure that assistance reaches those most in need, Morocco has implemented a national digital system that monitors household living conditions and employs a scoring mechanism to determine eligibility. Jamali noted that the program is entirely funded by the Moroccan government, utilizing savings from subsidy reforms and more efficient social spending strategies. The current budget stands at $2.5 billion, projected to increase to $3 billion, which corresponds to roughly 2% of Morocco’s GDP.
However, the initiative's ambitions extend beyond merely alleviating poverty. It seeks to enhance education, healthcare, nutrition, and job prospects, with a particular focus on empowering young people and women. The ANSS is actively working to connect families with local services, including job training, support for working mothers, and improved child development programs.
In her closing remarks, Jamali asserted that Morocco's experience illustrates the feasibility of social protection for all nations and its potential to foster long-term, inclusive growth. “In a world increasingly characterized by interconnected challenges, particularly for countries in the MENA region, I am confident that we will depart from this session inspired by actionable insights on how social protection can unlock scalable and inclusive impact while reshaping the future for the next generations,” she concluded.
The session convened policymakers and experts from across the region to share experiences and explore innovative strategies to support vulnerable communities.
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