According to the High Commission for Planning (HCP), Morocco's unemployment rate increased from 9.5% in the second quarter of 2026 to 10.5% in the third quarter. This represents a 1% increase in the national unemployment rate. The HCP attributed this rise to an increase in the number of unemployed individuals, which reached 1.224 million people in the third quarter.
The unemployment rate in urban areas rose by 0.6 points to 12.5%, while in rural areas, it increased by 1.5 points to 6.9%. Women were disproportionately affected, with an unemployment rate of 16.7%, up 1.9 points from the previous quarter. In contrast, the unemployment rate for men rose by 0.6 points to 8.7%. The HCP also reported that 76.4% of the unemployed population resides in urban areas.
Young people aged 15-24 were the most affected by unemployment, with a rate of 30.5%, up 3.3 points from the previous quarter. Individuals aged 25-34 also experienced a significant increase in unemployment, with a rate of 16%, up 1.6 points. The HCP noted that unemployment rates varied significantly depending on educational attainment, with 18.1% of individuals holding a university degree and 18.1% of those with a secondary education being unemployed.
The HCP also reported that the composite rate of unemployment, which includes the underemployed and potential labor force, reached 15.7% in the third quarter of 2026, up from 14.7% in the previous quarter. This rate measures the volume of current and potential pressure on the labor market. In urban areas, this rate was 18.2%, while in rural areas, it was 11.3%.
The composite rate of unemployment and underemployment, which measures the volume of labor force experiencing insufficient working hours, reached 14.6% in the third quarter of 2026, up from 14% in the previous quarter. This rate was 15.8% in urban areas and 12.5% in rural areas. Women were again disproportionately affected, with a rate of 19%, compared to 13.4% for men.
The HCP's data is based on the results of the Labor Force Survey (EMO), which replaced the National Survey on Employment. The EMO aims to strengthen the labor market monitoring system and provides a more comprehensive picture of the labor market. The survey also expanded the measurement of underemployment to include a multidimensional approach.
The rise in unemployment is likely to have significant implications for Morocco's economy and social stability. The government may need to implement policies to address the root causes of unemployment, particularly among youth and women. The HCP's data provides a valuable insight into the state of the labor market and will inform policy decisions aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment.
Key points
- The unemployment rate in Morocco has risen to 10.5% in the third quarter of 2026, with youth and women being the most affected.
