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Morocco World
12-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Makes Progress in Integrating Street Vendors into Formal Economy
Rabat — Morocco's Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour recently said that over 86,000 street vendors have joined the country's formal economy, a significant progress in the implementation of the national program aimed at regulating informal commerce. Speaking at the House of Representatives, Mezzour revealed that these vendors make up approximately 70% of the 124,000 identified nationwide. The commerce sector ranks as Morocco's second-largest employer, engaging 1.6 million people — 15.6% of the active population — and generating MAD 151 billion ($15 billion) in annual value. While operating outside formal channels, street vending plays a vital role in Moroccan society. This sector meets local needs and provides livelihoods, especially in working-class neighborhoods. Despite its economic importance, economists assert that the growth of informal commerce continues to hamper both structured businesses and consumer service quality. The government plan operates under Morocco's National Human Development Initiative (INDH) with local authority oversight. The government's focus in this sector is on regulation, rather than eliminating this important and longstanding commercial practice. Read also: Minister: With 1 Million Workers, Industrial Sector is Essential to Morocco However, assessments by the Ministry of Interior and the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) have identified several obstacles to fully, successfully implement the program. Part of the government's plan is to move these vendors into more formal commercial centers, but they face a lack of places to relocate them. Additionally, not all vendors are willing and open to make this change, and in terms of formal bookkeeping, there are significant discrepancies between initial vendor counts and those working in specific areas. In response to this situation, Mezzour has urged municipalities and authorities to develop more nuanced approaches to organizing street commerce, including conducting detailed analyses of supply chains, points of conflict, and local characteristics to create more effective and sustainable solutions. The government is simultaneously promoting vendors to take on the self-employment (auto-entrepreneur) status to encourage informal workers to join the structured economy. This status offers simplified tax advantages and access to social protection, marking important progress in coverage and recognition for small-scale entrepreneurs. While the gradual integration of street vendors into the formal sector shows progress, it also reveals the limitations of centralized approaches to diverse local realities. The key now lies in coordination between local authorities, the state, and economic stakeholders to develop flexible, fair, and sustainable regulation that addresses both social and economic challenges in neighborhood commerce.
Morocco World
07-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches National Campaign to Raise Prenatal Care Awarness
Rabat – Morocco launched a nationwide campaign focused on the importance of prenatal care on April 7, running until May 8. The initiative operates under the slogan 'Early and regular pregnancy monitoring…to preserve the health of mother and baby.' The campaign is part of the 2023-2027 Strategy for Social and Behavioral Change developed by Morocco's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The campaign's launch timing coincides with World Health Day on April 7, which focuses on maternal and neonatal health this year. Health officials designed the campaign to build on Morocco's existing progress in prenatal consultation services. These services have proven effective in reducing mother and newborn illness and death rates. The initiative also expands efforts toward other components of the first thousand days of life, recognized as critical for optimal child development. In addition to the awareness campaign, a new online learning platform has been created with World Bank support. This 'Massive Open Online Courses' system focuses on counseling techniques and child development during the crucial first thousand days of life – from conception to age two. The first training cycle for health professionals and community workers begins this month. Read also: Morocco's Court of Audit Reports Critical Gaps in Maternal, Newborn Care Morocco has made significant commitments to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the country's New Development Model. These efforts have resulted in positive results, with maternal mortality dropping by 35% between 2010 and 2016, and neonatal mortality declining by 38% during the same period. The public awareness effort includes television and radio spots in Arabic and Amazigh languages, digital content across social media platforms, and awareness sessions in healthcare facilities and Dar Al Oumouma centers. The campaign also incorporates educational messaging during Friday prayers in the mosque to increase community engagement. Health officials aim to promote optimal health practices during pregnancy and early childhood, building healthier foundations for future generations.
