Casablanca– In a significant move aimed at bolstering its education system, Morocco has secured a financing agreement worth €134.7 million (approximately $144.09 million USD) from the French Development Agency (AFD). The funding is dedicated to supporting the country’s ambitious roadmap for the reform of the national education system spanning from 2022 to 2026.

The agreement, signed in Rabat on Monday, March 19, 2024, involved representatives from both Morocco and the AFD. Fouzi Lekjaa, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance responsible for Budget, led the Moroccan delegation, while the French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, represented the AFD along with Quiterie Pincent, the Director of the AFD in Rabat.

The financing comprises a €130 million (approximately $139.1 million USD) budgetary allocation for public policy and a €4.7 million (approximately $5.0 million USD) grant to facilitate technical support and oversee the implementation of reforms outlined in the roadmap.

Education Minister Chakib Benmoussa highlighted the targeted areas for investment, particularly focusing on secondary education institutions. The aim is to address the issue of school dropout rates through comprehensive academic, educational, and social support measures while also enhancing language proficiency, notably in French, with the assistance of the AFD.

Pioneering schools and colleges, identified as central components of the education reform agenda, are set to benefit significantly from the AFD’s support. The objective is to accelerate the implementation of reforms outlined in the roadmap and foster collaboration among stakeholders involved in the education sector.

Fouzi Lekjaa underscored the pivotal role of the agreement in supporting Morocco’s educational reform efforts, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the flagship school project in driving positive change within the education system.

Christophe Lecourtier highlighted the strategic significance of education system reform within Morocco’s broader development framework. He noted that the funding agreement provides an opportunity for France to draw valuable lessons from Morocco’s reforms, particularly concerning challenges such as declining academic standards and language accessibility.

The AFD’s support, set to span five years, will focus on enhancing language proficiency among teachers and students, reducing dropout rates, promoting a new model of schooling, and improving ancillary services like canteens and school transport.

The 2022-2026 roadmap aims to achieve ambitious strategic objectives, including doubling the rate of primary school students mastering fundamental skills, reducing school dropout rates by a third, and enhancing student engagement through extracurricular activities.

The financing agreement signifies a significant step forward for Morocco’s education sector, underscoring the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive, quality education for its citizens.