Government maintains one‑million‑job target by 2026, excluding job losses in agriculture

If the momentum observed in 2025 continues, the government expects to create over one million jobs by the end of 2026, excluding those lost in the agricultural sector due to drought.

The Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, chaired a meeting in Rabat on Friday, April 10, devoted to monitoring the implementation of the Employment Sector Roadmap.

The meeting provided an opportunity to assess progress made across sectors in expanding job opportunities within the labor market.

The data presented show an improvement in the labor market, with indicators trending upward. Between 2021 and 2025, the national economy generated 850,000 jobs in non‑agricultural sectors, averaging 170,000 per year.

If the momentum observed in 2025 continues — marked by the creation of 233,000 jobs — the government expects to surpass one million new positions by the end of 2026, excluding those lost in agriculture due to drought.

During the meeting, the relevant ministries presented progress in implementing the various programs under the Employment Sector Roadmap, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

Agricultural activities during the current season recorded strong momentum, generating 365 million workdays — a 7% increase compared to the previous campaign. Meanwhile, the tourism sector exceeded its 2026 targets, creating 92,000 jobs instead of the projected 80,000.

Regarding the support scheme for SMEs, 170 project applications were submitted, mainly in the industrial, hospitality, and catering sectors. A total of 21 projects were approved, representing investments of 312 million DH, with 49 million DH allocated to project support.

The meeting also addressed measures to create favorable conditions for SMEs to contribute to the equipment and housing sectors, stimulate employment at the local level, and facilitate their access to public procurement.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed the expansion of employment‑promotion programs to new sectors benefiting non‑graduate youth through the “Idmaj” and “Tahfiz” initiatives, alongside the launch of the "Tadarouj" program.

The latter aims to extend apprenticeship training across various productive and service sectors, placing 100,000 trainees each year at the heart of the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation.

Measures to combat school dropout and reduce the number of students leaving education were highlighted, including the strengthening of excellence colleges and the expansion of second‑chance schools.

Under the nursery program, the meeting noted the establishment of 40 pilot nurseries, with 20 more to be added. This initiative aims to remove barriers preventing women from entering the labor market and to help them better balance professional and family responsibilities.

Building on these positive indicators, the Head of Government emphasized that the implementation of programs under the Employment Sector Roadmap is progressing well, urging all sectors to enhance convergence and accelerate execution in line with established objectives and timelines — particularly those targeting youth, women, and SMEs in rural areas.

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