Morocco’s labour market hampered by low female participation and digitalisation gap

Morocco’s labour market remains fragile, with female activity below 20 % despite reforms aimed at boosting women’s participation to 30 % by 2026. Structural barriers include unequal household responsibilities, insufficient public childcare, limited transport options and a persistent wage gap of about 25 % that keeps many women in informal or low‑paid work.

A World Bank report highlights that 22.5 % of the active population are either unemployed, underemployed or discouraged, and that female participation sits at just 17.5 %, ranking the kingdom 186th of 195 countries. The study warns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is raising oil prices and energy costs, further pressuring Morocco’s economy. It calls for accelerated digitalisation by firms to drive productivity gains and reduce the labour market’s structural weaknesses.

Addressing these gender‑related constraints and expanding digital adoption are seen as essential for Morocco to realise its growth ambitions.