Morocco Faces Population Aging as Growth Slows by 2060

The High Commission for Planning in Morocco forecasts the country's population to increase from 36.8 million in 2024 to 43.3 million by 2060, while cautioning about rising population aging and a decline in rural inhabitants.

The commission's report highlights a significant slowdown in demographic growth, anticipating the annual growth rate to drop from 0.7% in 2024 to nearly zero by 2060.

Urban areas are expected to remain the main driver of demographic dynamics, with the urban population projected to reach approximately 32.5 million, representing nearly three-quarters of the total population. Conversely, rural populations are predicted to decrease to about 10.8 million.

The report also notes a gradual decline in the number of children under 15 years old. Specifically, the number of children in early childhood education is expected to decrease by 23.8%, and those in primary education by 27%, potentially allowing for a reorientation of educational policies toward quality improvement.

In contrast, the active workforce is projected to rise from 22.08 million in 2024 to 24.69 million in 2060, with disparities between urban and rural areas. The labor force in cities is expected to grow, while it will decline in rural regions.

The report warns of accelerated aging, forecasting that the population aged 60 and above will double from 5 million to nearly 10.9 million, constituting about a quarter of the total population. This demographic shift poses additional challenges for pension systems, healthcare, and social protection.

The High Commission emphasized that these demographic changes require proactive policies to strengthen rural development, manage urbanization, adapt the labor market, and reform social protection systems to ensure balanced and sustainable development.