Casablanca – Morocco and France have signed two significant agreements aimed at bolstering the country’s social reform efforts, with a total value of approximately $1.45 billion. The agreements, which focus on the generalization of mandatory health insurance and the promotion of gender equality, were officially signed in Rabat on Wednesday.

The first agreement, valued at about $970 million, continues the French Development Agency’s (AFD) support for Morocco’s universal social protection project, which is central to the government’s broader social reform agenda. This agreement focuses on strengthening governance reforms to enhance the functionality of Mandatory Health Insurance (AMO), ensuring that equity is integrated into the system, and improving the control of health-related expenditures.

The second agreement, worth $485 million, is aimed at advancing gender equality in Morocco, in line with the government’s 2023-2026 Gender Equality Plan. The funds will support two main objectives: the operationalization and expansion of Gender-Sensitive Budgeting (GSB) across all levels, including local areas, and the economic empowerment of women, particularly through initiatives related to the care economy.

The agreements were signed by Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Morocco, and Quiterie Pincent, Director of AFD in Morocco. The signing ceremony was attended by other key figures, including Hassan Boubrik, Director General of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).

In his remarks, Minister Lekjaa highlighted that these agreements are part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Morocco and France. He pointed out that they align with Morocco’s strategic priorities and the vision for comprehensive development laid out by King Mohammed VI.

Ambassador Lecourtier also underscored the long-standing and robust partnership between the two countries, emphasizing the “unwavering solidarity” that defines their cooperation in addressing common challenges. He noted that the agreements align with the shared goals of social progress and sustainable development.

These new agreements are a continuation of France’s ongoing support for Morocco’s social and economic development, with a focus on improving the lives of vulnerable populations. The Moroccan government has been working to expand social protection, reduce poverty, and promote equality through targeted initiatives. In recent weeks, Morocco’s government also launched the National Social Support Agency (ANSS) to oversee the implementation of its social protection strategy, which benefits millions of households across the country.

With these new agreements, Morocco is poised to make significant strides in its efforts to provide universal healthcare and achieve greater gender equality, in partnership with France and international development organizations.