Morocco Shifts Development Model With First National Care Economy Strategy

The framework, developed by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family alongside the ILO and UN Women, signals a departure from treating care as a purely social expense. By professionalizing sectors like childcare and disability support, Morocco seeks to alleviate the burden of unpaid domestic labor, which historically keeps women out of the formal workforce. Projections suggest that these investments could significantly expand employment by 2035, provided the state can successfully integrate vocational training and sustainable financing into its national agenda.

Executing this vision requires overcoming substantial logistical hurdles. Policymakers must now coordinate across finance, health, and education sectors to ensure services reach both urban and rural populations. Success will hinge on more than just building new facilities; it requires establishing rigorous quality standards and regulatory oversight to protect both workers and households. As other African and Middle Eastern nations grapple with aging populations and shifting family structures, Morocco’s approach serves as a high-stakes test case for how emerging economies can turn essential social services into drivers of national productivity.