Casablanca – In recent years, Morocco has seen a significant shift among young people who are increasingly choosing entrepreneurship and self-employment over traditional public sector jobs. This growing trend is not just a reflection of the limitations of public sector employment but also an embrace of the opportunities that private businesses and entrepreneurship offer.

One of the main factors driving this movement is the limited availability of jobs in the public sector. The state cannot employ the vast number of young job seekers, and the recruitment process for public sector positions is often slow, complicated, and highly competitive. With strict requirements and a large pool of applicants, securing a government job has become an uncertain prospect for many. Additionally, the disparity in wages between the public and private sectors plays a crucial role. Private companies often offer higher salaries and better financial incentives, motivating young people to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

The Moroccan government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship have been significant in nurturing this shift. Since 2003, educational programs in universities and vocational training institutes have increasingly focused on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students. These programs aim to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to create and manage their own businesses, offering them a pathway to self-sufficiency and future job creation.

This movement toward entrepreneurship is reflected in the data from the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC). By May 2024, 40,874 new companies had been established across the country. Of these, 29,481 were created as legal entities, while 11,393 were formed by individuals. The majority of these new businesses are concentrated in sectors such as commerce, construction, and various services, reflecting the diversity of opportunities available outside the public sector.

The commercial sector alone accounts for 35% of the new companies, followed by construction and public works at 18.94%, and services at 18.87%. Other notable sectors include transportation (8.11%), industry (7.23%), hotels and restaurants (5.52%), and information and communication technology (2.67%). This broad distribution highlights the potential for growth in various fields, driven by young entrepreneurs looking to carve out their own paths.

Regionally, the Casablanca-Settat area leads the way with 12,721 new companies, underscoring its role as a major business hub. Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima follows with 5,837 new enterprises, while Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Marrakech-Safi also saw significant business growth. The success of these regions points to the increasing attractiveness of entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to the limitations of public sector employment.

The legal structure of these new companies reveals a strong preference for single-member limited liability companies, which make up 65.2% of the total. This model offers flexibility and ease of management, making it an attractive option for young entrepreneurs who are starting out. Limited liability companies (LLCs) also hold a 34.3% share, with joint-stock companies making up a small 0.2%.

The entrepreneurial shift in Morocco is more than just a response to the public sector’s limitations—it represents a growing recognition of the potential for success and innovation in the private sector. With government support, including easy-access loans and financial assistance, the path to entrepreneurship has become more accessible, allowing young people to create their own opportunities. This trend not only provides a solution to youth unemployment but also drives economic growth by fostering job creation and business development across various sectors.

As Morocco continues to build a strong entrepreneurial culture, more young professionals are likely to pursue self-employment and business ownership, viewing it as a sustainable and rewarding career path. In doing so, they are moving away from the traditional employee mindset and embracing the freedom and potential of being entrepreneurs.