World Bank, Morocco strengthen partnership with focus on women’s economic participation

Morocco and the World Bank maintain a robust strategic partnership dedicated to advancing the kingdom’s development objectives,World Bank Vice President for the Middle East,North Africa,Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region Ousmane Dione emphasized during a Tuesday conference in Rabat.

Speaking at the launch of the MENAAP economic bulletin titled “Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent,Unrealized Growth,” Dione highlighted women’s economic participation as “the most powerful engine for growth,still largely untapped” across the region. With the working-age population projected to reach nearly 220 million within 25 years,a 40% increase representing the world’s second-highest growth rate,the region faces a decisive turning point,he noted.

The bulletin underscores the significant economic cost of excluding women from labor markets. Research indicates that closing gender employment gaps could generate a remarkable 51% increase in per capita income for typical MENA countries.

Ghita Lahlou,vice president of Morocco’s General Confederation of Enterprises (CGEM),acknowledged that employment,particularly for women,remains a major challenge. She stressed the importance of establishing strong entrepreneurial frameworks with comprehensive support,financing,technical assistance and mentorship programs. Lahlou also called for improved working conditions through flexible arrangements,childcare services,enhanced security and mobility options,alongside strengthened economic opportunities for young rural women.

The CGEM representative urged decisive commitment from all stakeholders and legislative support,including comprehensive labor law reform and concrete implementation measures. She advocated for financial sector involvement in creating new mechanisms supporting businesses that promote female employment.

The conference,attended by Finance and Economy Minister Nadia Fettah,brought together high-level representatives from public institutions,the private sector,academia and civil society from Morocco and across the region. The gathering demonstrated collective commitment toward leveraging women’s human capital as a strategic driver for growth and prosperity in Morocco’s ongoing development agenda.