Casablanca – Morocco’s housing sector is witnessing continued expansion of state-backed social programs, as the government reports nearly 97,000 beneficiaries under its new direct housing assistance scheme, alongside ongoing progress in slum eradication and the rehabilitation of unsafe buildings.

The Secretary of State in charge of Housing, Adib Benbrahim, announced before the House of Representatives that 96,948 individuals have benefited so far from the redesigned direct housing assistance program. The initiative, launched as part of a broader reform of housing policy, has received around 200,000 applications since its introduction, indicating strong demand from households across the country.

Officials described the figures as evidence of sustained public interest in the program, which aims to improve access to housing for low- and middle-income families while streamlining public support mechanisms.

Shift toward direct citizen-based assistance

A key feature of the restructured program is its funding model. Unlike previous schemes that directed subsidies to real estate developers, the current approach channels financial assistance directly to eligible citizens. Government officials argue that this shift enhances transparency, reduces intermediaries, and gives households greater flexibility in choosing housing that meets their needs.

According to Benbrahim, this reform is intended to increase efficiency in public spending while ensuring that support reaches beneficiaries more quickly. The digitalization of applications has also contributed to faster processing and improved tracking of demand.

The program’s nearly 97,000 beneficiaries represent roughly half of all submitted applications, suggesting both high uptake and an ongoing evaluation and approval process as authorities continue to process remaining requests.

Long-term progress in slum reduction

Alongside the direct assistance scheme, Morocco continues to implement its long-standing “Cities Without Slums” initiative, one of the country’s most significant urban social programs.

Official data presented in Parliament show that the number of households targeted under the program has risen significantly over the past two decades, increasing from 270,000 households in 2004 to 496,000 by the end of September 2025. This rise reflects both demographic pressure and continued urban migration trends.

Despite the growing scale of the challenge, authorities report substantial progress in regularization efforts. So far, 370,000 households have had their housing situations formalized through relocation, upgrading, or integration into structured urban developments.

As a result of these interventions, 62 cities across Morocco have been officially declared free of slums. Government representatives describe this milestone as a key achievement in national urban policy, although they acknowledge that remaining informal settlements still require targeted intervention.

Addressing unsafe housing structures

Another major component of Morocco’s housing strategy concerns buildings deemed at risk of collapse, a sensitive issue due to its implications for public safety.

According to official figures, 16,466 housing units have been treated during the current government’s mandate. These interventions have benefited approximately 31,957 households, either through reinforcement, rehabilitation, or relocation measures.

Authorities credit this progress to strengthened coordination between central and regional institutions, particularly through the National Agency for Urban Renewal and the Rehabilitation of Buildings at Risk of Collapse. The agency has been tasked with accelerating technical assessments, conducting field surveys, and mobilizing financial and logistical resources to prioritize high-risk structures.

Officials note that increased funding and institutional support have helped speed up intervention timelines, reducing delays in addressing hazardous housing conditions.

Broader housing and urban development strategy

The government’s housing policy is part of a broader national effort to address structural deficits in urban infrastructure, improve living conditions, and respond to growing demand for affordable housing.

Officials emphasize that the direct assistance program, slum eradication initiatives, and rehabilitation of unsafe buildings are interconnected components of a unified strategy. Together, they aim to reduce housing inequality while promoting more balanced urban development.

The reforms are also aligned with wider digital transformation efforts within public administration, particularly the use of online platforms for application management and beneficiary tracking.

Observers note that Morocco’s housing sector continues to face significant challenges, including population growth, urban expansion, and affordability constraints. However, they also point to the increasing institutionalization of housing programs and improved targeting mechanisms as signs of policy consolidation.

Outlook

Authorities are expected to continue processing applications under the direct housing assistance program, with additional updates on beneficiary numbers anticipated in the coming months as approvals progress.

Meanwhile, efforts under the “Cities Without Slums” program are set to continue, with a focus on addressing remaining informal settlements and expanding coverage to additional urban areas.

The government has also signaled its intention to further strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks governing housing and urban planning, in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of ongoing reforms.

As Morocco moves forward with its housing strategy, officials maintain that the combined impact of direct financial assistance, urban rehabilitation, and slum reduction programs will play a central role in improving housing access and urban living standards nationwide.