The World Bank has approved a third round of funding, allocating $600 million to strengthen human capital in Morocco. This initiative follows previous financial support provided in June 2022 and December 2023, aiming to bolster the country’s resilience to health crises, enhance social protection, and assist vulnerable populations.
Since 2020, Morocco has faced a series of significant challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation to climate-related shocks and a devastating earthquake. In response, the government has launched major structural reforms inspired by the New Development Model, seeking to promote more inclusive and sustainable growth.
The newly approved funding will support key initiatives, including the expansion of mandatory health insurance, modernization of the healthcare system, and the establishment of a direct social assistance program. Additionally, it aims to reduce poverty among the elderly by improving access to sustainable retirement benefits and to strengthen disaster risk management, particularly for farmers and rural communities, who are among the most affected.
Morocco has already made notable progress in expanding social coverage, with 75% of the population now benefiting from health insurance. However, challenges remain, especially for self-employed workers. The government’s goal is to extend coverage to the entire population under a unified system managed by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).
The direct social assistance program, spearheaded by the newly created National Agency for Social Support (ANSS), is designed to reach up to 60% of households not covered by other family allowance schemes. Its primary objective is to improve access to healthcare and provide financial support to the most vulnerable families.
Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, director for the Maghreb and Malta at the World Bank, emphasized that these reforms are aimed at making Morocco’s social protection system more equitable and efficient. He highlighted their importance in supporting communities most exposed to climate risks and economic fluctuations.
