Morocco Showcases Landmark Social Protection Reforms at MENA Roundtable

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s strides in strengthening social protection systems took center stage this Wednesday at the “MENA Social Protection Roundtable,” held as part of the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Speaking at the high-level session, Wafaa Jamali, Director General of Morocco’s National Agency for Social Support (ANSS), highlighted the North African country’s ambitious efforts to reshape social policy and expand safety nets for its most vulnerable populations.

“Social protection, once perceived as a luxury exclusive to wealthier nations, is now emerging as a tangible reality across the Middle East and North Africa,” Jamali said. “Morocco has proudly joined the group of countries that are reshaping this narrative.”

Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco initiated a sweeping social reform agenda in response to vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort began with the rollout of universal health insurance in 2022, followed by the launch of a nationwide cash transfer program in 2024, targeting low-income families.

The cash transfer program currently reaches around 4 million households, benefiting more than 12 million people, including 5.6 million children and over one million elderly individuals. Monthly financial support is provided for each child from birth until the age of 21.

To ensure transparency and accuracy in identifying beneficiaries, Morocco has developed a national digital registry system. The system assesses household living conditions and uses a scoring mechanism to determine eligibility, aligning with the government’s commitment to data-driven policy and efficient social spending.

Jamali emphasized that the initiative is entirely state-funded, with resources drawn from reallocated subsidy savings and enhanced budget planning. The program’s annual budget currently stands at $2.5 billion, with expectations to grow to $3 billion, representing roughly 2% of Morocco’s GDP.

Beyond poverty reduction, the broader objective is to enhance education, healthcare, nutrition, and employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women. The ANSS is also working to connect families with local services, including job training, support for working mothers, and early childhood development programs.

“Morocco’s experience demonstrates that robust social protection is both achievable and transformative, even outside high-income countries,” Jamali noted. “We believe these systems are not only safety nets but springboards for inclusive and sustainable development.”

The session brought together policymakers and regional experts to exchange insights and explore scalable solutions for boosting social resilience. Jamali concluded with a call for collective action:

“In a world increasingly shaped by shared challenges, particularly in the MENA Region, this roundtable offers actionable insights on how social protection can unlock inclusive progress and reshape the future for coming generations.”

The event reinforced the growing momentum among MENA nations to prioritize human development, guided by innovation, regional collaboration, and equity.