Morocco is grappling with a serious youth unemployment and NEET problem, with millions of young people neither in education, employment nor training. A new report shows that nearly one in three Moroccans aged 15 to 29 fall into this category, underlining persistent concerns about jobs, skills and opportunity.
Nearly 34% of young people in this age group, about 2.9 million individuals, are classified as NEET, according to a joint study by the High Commission for Planning (Morocco) and the International Labour Organization.
The report, released this week, draws on data from 2017, 2022 and 2023. It shows a small improvement over time, with the rate easing from 35% in 2017 to 33.6% in 2023. But it says the problem remains deep and structural rather than temporary.
Women are disproportionately affected, making up 70% of all NEET youth in Morocco. Most of those affected also lack vocational qualifications, with the report estimating that 76% have no specialised training. It also breaks the group into four categories, including homemakers, long term unemployed, people facing health limitations and discouraged young people who have given up looking for work.
The issue is not evenly spread across the country. The highest rate is found in Morocco’s Oriental region, at nearly 39%, including areas such as Oujda, Berkane and Nador.
By contrast, major economic centres such as Casablanca and Tangier continue to offer more opportunities, although inequalities remain.
The report points to three main underlying causes. It shows a mismatch between education and labour market needs, ongoing barriers facing young women, and uneven economic development between regions.
It also notes that vocational training reforms, including the Cités des Métiers et des Compétences programme, are still in their early stages and have not yet reached enough young people already outside the system.
Ayache Khellaf, Secretary General of the High Commission for Planning, said the situation needs tailored responses rather than a single policy fix, given the different realities facing young people.
The findings come amid broader regional concerns. A February 2026 workshop by the International Labour Organization in Amman found that the Middle East and North Africa has the highest youth NEET rates in the world, with female rates exceeding 40% in some countries.
In response, initiatives such as Jeel 2030 have been launched to give young people a greater voice in policymaking through digital platforms.
Despite the challenges, early 2026 figures suggest Morocco created around 193,000 jobs over the past year, mainly in urban areas, alongside a gradual shift towards more formal employment.
