Morocco’s Unemployment Rate Climbs to 21.3%, Census Data Reveals

Tuesday 17 December 2024 - 15:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco’s Unemployment Rate Climbs to 21.3%, Census Data Reveals

Unemployment in Morocco has surged to 21.3%, according to the latest findings from the country’s general population and housing census. This marks a notable increase from the 16.2% unemployment rate reported in the 2014 census, signaling a growing labor market challenge. Chakib Benmoussa, the High Commissioner for Planning, presented the census results during a press conference, highlighting this sharp rise in joblessness.

The new unemployment figure contrasts with the 13.6% rate previously reported by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), based on quarterly labor market data. The difference arises because census data reflects a specific snapshot, while the HCP's quarterly surveys are based on extensive, ongoing studies that track trends over time. The HCP's data showed an increase in the unemployed population from 1.625 million to 1.683 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Benmoussa clarified that the disparity between the two statistics is expected, as census results rely on direct responses from households, whereas quarterly surveys use more detailed methodologies. The census also highlighted significant regional disparities, with the Guelmim-Oued Noun region recording the highest unemployment rate at 31.5%. Other regions such as the Oriental, Beni Mellal-Khenifra, and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra followed closely, with rates above 26%.

On the other hand, the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region had the lowest unemployment rate at 10.6%, and Casablanca-Settat, Morocco's economic center, reported an unemployment rate of 18.8%. Gender inequality in the labor market remains a pressing issue, with women facing higher unemployment rates than men—25.9% compared to 20.1%, respectively. Rural and urban areas displayed similar unemployment rates, at 21.4% and 21.2%, respectively.

Benmoussa emphasized that the census provides a temporary view of the situation, while the quarterly HCP surveys offer more accurate and comprehensive insights over longer periods. As Morocco grapples with these concerning unemployment figures, the data sheds light on regional and gender-based disparities that will require targeted interventions to address.