Causes of Unemployment in Morocco

Unemployment, particularly among the youth, is a significant concern in Morocco. This issue is especially alarming due to its prevalence among university graduates. According to 2015 statistics, the youth cohort aged between 15 and 29 years comprised approximately 30% of the total population, while accounting for around 40% of the qualified workforce. The emergence of unemployment in any country is often linked to several underlying causes. Key factors contributing to unemployment in Morocco include:

A preference for limited job opportunities in the public sector compared to other sectors.
A notable disparity between educational outcomes and available job opportunities, complicating the job search process.
The tendency to employ individuals with higher degrees has led to a significant portion of university graduates being classified as unemployed.
Available job offers often favor candidates with specific skills, leaving marginalized individuals without opportunities.
The presence of less desirable university specializations in the labor market.

Impact of Unemployment in Morocco

The ramifications of unemployment in Morocco for those affected can be profound:

Psycho-social effects: Unemployed individuals may experience feelings of dissatisfaction with life, leading to various mental health disorders, mood disturbances, and other negative behaviors.
Social effects: Unemployed individuals may feel socially marginalized and perceive a lack of justice in their situation, adversely affecting their overall quality of life, particularly due to the stigma associated with unemployment.

Strategies to Combat Unemployment in Morocco

Proposed solutions to address the unemployment issue in Morocco include:

Encouraging youth participation in the economy by implementing policies that stimulate economic growth.
Integrating essential workplace skills into the educational system.
Providing training for youth and promoting the learning of vocational skills that the community requires.
Assisting educational institutions and training centers in updating their curricula to align with evolving economic needs.
Supporting youth organizations to assist young individuals in realizing their entrepreneurial ideas and enhancing youth entrepreneurship programs.
Encouraging the establishment of businesses in impoverished areas rather than concentrating solely on specific regions, potentially through tax incentives that aim to employ the unemployed in these areas, thereby addressing geographical unemployment challenges.
Lowering tax rates.
Creating more flexible labor markets.