According to the High Commission for Planning (HCP), Morocco's strict unemployment rate reached 10.5% in the third quarter of 2026. This represents an increase of 0.9 points from the previous quarter. The HCP's Labour Force Survey (EMO) revealed that the number of people strictly unemployed reached 1.224 million. Of these, 76.4% reside in urban areas and 34.6% are women.
The unemployment rate varies significantly depending on location, age, and sex. In urban areas, the unemployment rate stands at 12.5%, while in rural areas it is 6.9%. Women are disproportionately affected, with an unemployment rate of 16.7%, compared to 8.7% for men. Young people aged 15-24 are the most affected, with an unemployment rate of 30.5%. Those aged 25-34 have a rate of 16%.
Education level does not seem to provide significant protection against unemployment. The unemployment rate is 18.1% for both those with advanced diplomas and those with intermediate diplomas. It stands at 11.6% for those with a basic diploma and 4.7% for those with no diploma. The HCP also measures various forms of underutilization of the workforce to provide a broader understanding of unmet work needs.
The HCP's new Labour Force Survey has replaced the old National Employment Survey. The new survey adopts the concept of "strict unemployment," which refers to people without employment or income, actively seeking work, and available to take up a job. The survey provides a more comprehensive picture of the labour market.
In addition to strict unemployment, the HCP measures the combined rate of unemployment and potential workforce, which reached 15.7% in the third quarter, up from 14.7% in the previous quarter. This rate is 18.2% in urban areas and 11.3% in rural areas. The gap between men and women is significant, with a rate of 26.5% for women and 12.5% for men.
The combined rate of strict unemployment and underemployment due to working hours is 14.6%, up from 14% in the second quarter. This rate is 15.8% in urban areas and 12.5% in rural areas, and 19% for women and 13.4% for men. These statistics highlight the challenges facing Morocco's labour market.
The HCP's Labour Force Survey provides valuable insights into Morocco's labour market. The survey's findings will inform policy decisions aimed at addressing unemployment and underemployment. The government will likely use these statistics to develop targeted strategies to support job creation and economic growth.
Key points
- Morocco's strict unemployment rate rose to 10.5% in the third quarter of 2026.
- Young people and women are disproportionately affected by unemployment.
- Education level does not provide significant protection against unemployment.
