Morocco’s Prime Minister Reports Labor Shortages Amid Economic Growth

"We can’t find labor," he stated, specifying: "In agriculture, we can’t find people to work. In construction, we can’t find people to work. Sometimes even in stadiums, we can’t find workers." A strong declaration during the monthly question session focused on "general policy related to strengthening the foundations of equity and social protection."

This report of a potential shortage of workers in the country comes as the Prime Minister also presented encouraging economic indicators. He thus reported a 24% increase in investment revenues in 2024, reaching 43 billion dirhams, and a continuation of this trend in the first quarter of the current year with 25% growth (13 billion dirhams). Mr. Akhannouch also recalled his government’s commitment to Moroccan businesses, deemed crucial for job creation.

In this perspective of supporting the entrepreneurial fabric, he highlighted the state’s effort to clear VAT arrears: 6.9 billion dirhams would have been reimbursed to companies by the end of April, double that of the previous year. The head of the executive did not hesitate to criticize previous practices, stating that under previous governments, "VAT was a prisoner of the state," which would have weakened many companies. The state, he insisted, must ensure the collection of revenues as well as the payment of its debts.

Returning to the employment issue, Aziz Akhannouch believed that the subject of recruitment difficulties "deserves to be opened for debate," calling for this problem to be addressed. Despite this challenge, he concluded on an optimistic note regarding economic activity: "We have just begun, and major projects are underway."