A recent report from Morocco's Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Public Efficiency, attached to the 2027 finance bill, revealed a significant decline in the number of beneficiaries from contractual training for integration into the job market in 2025. The number of beneficiaries dropped by approximately 92% to 1,451, compared to 18,109 in 2024. This drastic decline is linked to a reduction in the budget of the Youth Employment Promotion Fund, which decreased by 45% in one year to 776.65 million dirhams in 2025.
The report on the Treasury's special accounts showed a total decline in beneficiaries of the "Tahwil" programs from 18,184 in 2024 to 1,488 in 2025. This decline was mainly observed in qualifying training, which decreased from 693 beneficiaries in 2023 to 75 in 2024 and only 37 in 2025. Additionally, the promising sectors training program saw a decline in beneficiaries from 8,963 in 2024 to 5,677 in 2025, compared to 8,767 in 2023.
The Ministry attributed this decline to a comprehensive structural review of the contractual training system, aiming to align it with the National Road Map strategies. However, no specific timeline was provided for the return of programs to their previous levels. On a positive note, direct employment and support programs showed encouraging upward trends. The number of beneficiaries of the "Idmaj" program increased by 10.74% to 138,573 in 2025, including 18,167 beneficiaries under foreign employment contracts.
Furthermore, the "Tahfiz" program, which supports start-ups, saw an increase in beneficiaries to 24,686 in 2025, up from 21,577 in 2024 and 18,639 in 2023. This positive momentum continued in the current year, with official data showing that "Idmaj" beneficiaries reached 128,111 by the end of August 2026, compared to 85,746 in the same period in 2025, representing a significant 50% increase.
The sharp decline in vocational training beneficiaries has raised concerns about the impact on Morocco's job market. The government's efforts to reform the training system aim to better align it with the country's economic needs. However, the decline in beneficiaries has significant implications for young people seeking employment and skills development.
The Moroccan government has been working to promote employment and entrepreneurship through various programs, including "Idmaj" and "Tahfiz". These programs aim to support young people in finding employment or starting their own businesses. The recent data suggests that these efforts are having a positive impact, with increasing numbers of beneficiaries.
The Ministry's report highlights the need for continued efforts to support employment and skills development in Morocco. The government will need to monitor the impact of the reforms and adjust its strategies as needed to ensure that young people have access to the skills and training they need to succeed in the job market.
Key points
- Morocco's vocational training program saw a 92% decline in beneficiaries in 2025.
- The decline is attributed to a comprehensive structural review of the contractual training system.
- Direct employment and support programs showed encouraging upward trends in 2025.
