The High Commission for Planning has reported that Morocco's labor force, which includes employed individuals and those unemployed in the narrow sense, totaled 11.694 million people during the third quarter of 2026. This represents a decrease of 70,000 people compared to the second quarter of 2026. The commission's data also shows that 64.1% of the labor force resides in urban areas.
Women make up 21.7% of the labor force, while they account for 70.6% of the population outside the labor force. The labor force participation rate, which measures the proportion of the working-age population in the labor force, stood at 41.8% nationally, 41.1% in urban areas, and 43% in rural areas. A significant disparity exists between men and women, with a participation rate of 65.6% for men and 18.1% for women.
The labor force participation rate varies by age, with individuals aged 25-34 and 35-44 having the highest rates at 56.6%. Those aged 45 and above have a participation rate of 38.1%, while young people aged 15-24 have the lowest rate at 23.3%. The participation rate also differs by education level, with 68.5% for those holding advanced degrees, 43.3% for those with intermediate degrees, and 40.2% for those with basic degrees.
The High Commission for Planning's data is based on international standards for labor market statistics, which were adopted by the International Labor Organization and its member states, including Morocco. The commission has adapted these standards to Morocco's specific labor market conditions, ensuring their effective implementation. The data collection process involves a large sample size of 135,000 households and a revised sampling frame based on the 2024 General Census of Population and Housing.
The research also examines underemployment, using a multidimensional approach that integrates four indicators. Two of these indicators form the core of underemployment analysis, while the other two provide additional insights. The composite rate of underemployment and the narrow unemployment rate are used to analyze underemployment. The data also highlights challenges in accessing the labor market, the relationship between education and employment, and job quality.
The High Commission for Planning's report provides a comprehensive overview of Morocco's labor market in Q3 2026. The data highlights trends and patterns in the labor force, including participation rates, employment rates, and underemployment. The report also underscores the need for continued monitoring and analysis of the labor market to inform policy decisions and address challenges facing the workforce.
Key initiatives have been implemented to improve data collection and analysis, including expanding the sample size and updating the sampling frame. These efforts aim to provide more accurate and comprehensive data on Morocco's labor market, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies to address labor market challenges.
Key points
- Morocco's labor force participation rate stands at 41.8%, with significant disparities between men and women.
- The labor force participation rate varies by age, with individuals aged 25-34 and 35-44 having the highest rates.
- The High Commission for Planning's data is based on international standards for labor market statistics, adapted to Morocco's specific labor market conditions.
