The Moroccan government and the World Bank have finalized a groundbreaking partnership designed to fuel sustainable economic growth by prioritizing inclusive development. Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted the initiative’s core focus: generating job opportunities for young people and women, both in urban hubs and rural areas.
«This agreement represents a pivotal moment for Morocco,» Fettah stated. «Its strength lies in its structured approach, merging public and private investments, knowledge sharing, and policy reforms into a unified strategy for the nation’s future.»
Aligned with Morocco’s New Development Model, a roadmap aimed at fostering a more dynamic, equitable, and resilient economy, this partnership addresses pressing challenges like youth and women’s employment gaps. Despite ongoing efforts, female unemployment remains a critical issue.
Key strategic pillars of the agreement
The collaboration rests on three strategic pillars:
- Boosting business competitiveness: Simplifying regulatory hurdles, fostering market competition, and expanding financing access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Building connected and inclusive territories: Bridging urban-rural divides by enhancing infrastructure, market access, and essential services in underserved regions.
- Investing in human capital: Supporting education reforms, expanding universal healthcare coverage, and strengthening social protection systems.
The World Bank will deploy a mix of financial instruments, technical expertise, and private sector mobilization to drive these initiatives forward.