Casablanca – Since its launch in 2021, Morocco’s ambitious social protection reform has made significant strides, but it has not been without its challenges. The government’s ongoing efforts to extend coverage and ensure the sustainability of the system have been met with both praise and criticism, with numerous gaps remaining in terms of inclusivity and effectiveness. Recent reports, including those from the Moroccan Social Protection Observatory, shed light on both the accomplishments and the obstacles faced in implementing this far-reaching policy.

The government’s achievements

The government’s efforts to establish a national social protection system have been substantial. As of late 2024, over 11 million vulnerable individuals have enrolled in the compulsory health insurance system (AMO-Tadamoun), while more than 3.7 million non-wage earners, including the self-employed, are benefiting from health coverage. This marks a significant step toward ensuring healthcare access for marginalized populations, as the initiative aims to protect nearly a third of Morocco’s population.

One of the key achievements of the reform has been the expansion of financial support programs, which have helped millions of families. By October 2024, the number of beneficiaries from direct social assistance programs had surpassed 4 million households, including over 5.4 million children and 1.2 million elderly individuals. These programs, designed to mitigate poverty and provide a safety net, have been an essential component of the government’s social protection strategy.

Furthermore, the government has committed to a substantial financial outlay, pledging $4.12 billion by 2026 to fund these initiatives. This includes reallocated funds from previous support programs and a gradual overhaul of subsidy mechanisms, such as the phasing out of the fuel subsidy fund.

Identified shortcomings and challenges

Despite these achievements, the reform has not been without its flaws. A recent report by the Moroccan Social Protection Observatory highlighted several key shortcomings in the system’s implementation over the past four years. These include issues with targeting and inclusivity, governance challenges, and the sustainability of financing.

One of the major issues identified is the lack of clear minimum standards in social protection policies. The report notes that the system does not adequately address unemployment, a key concern for many Moroccans, with over 1.6 million unemployed individuals not covered by any form of support. Additionally, the system has faced difficulties in accurately targeting beneficiaries, with inconsistencies in the income reporting process leading to many deserving individuals being excluded from benefits. The reliance on self-declared income levels for assessing eligibility has led to significant inaccuracies, further limiting the effectiveness of the system.

On the governance front, the report criticizes the “confused governance” of the social protection system, pointing to the lack of effective coordination between the different ministries involved. It also notes the slow progress in finalizing key legislative measures, including amendments to the social security law, which are essential for the reform’s long-term success. These issues have hampered the efficiency of the system and raised concerns about its ability to meet its goals.

Gender and equity concerns

The reform has also faced criticism for failing to fully address gender disparities. Women, particularly in rural areas, continue to face barriers in accessing the benefits of social protection programs. The Observatory’s report pointed out discrepancies between public and private sector employees, with female workers in the private sector having less access to maternity leave and other social benefits compared to their counterparts in the public sector. This gap highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to ensure that all citizens, regardless of gender or employment status, benefit equally from the reform.

Moving forward: The path to universal coverage

Looking ahead, Morocco faces the challenge of making its social protection system truly universal and sustainable. While the government has made significant progress, the system must be continually improved to address the gaps identified in recent evaluations. This includes better targeting of vulnerable populations, improving governance mechanisms, and ensuring that the system can be financed sustainably in the long term.

The government’s focus on expanding health coverage is a promising step, with plans to enroll more non-wage earners and self-employed individuals into the insurance system. However, more work is needed to address the concerns of those who are currently excluded, particularly the unemployed and those in informal sectors.

Moreover, the financial sustainability of the system remains a key concern. While the government has committed to significant investments, questions remain about whether the necessary resources can be mobilized without exacerbating fiscal deficits or burdening certain segments of society, particularly the middle class.

Morocco’s social protection reform is undoubtedly a monumental undertaking with the potential to transform the lives of millions of Moroccans. However, the journey is far from complete. The next few years will be crucial in refining the system, addressing its weaknesses, and ensuring that it provides equitable, sustainable, and comprehensive coverage for all citizens. As the country moves forward, it must remain vigilant in its commitment to social justice, gender equality, and the effective use of resources, ensuring that the benefits of social protection reach those who need it the most.