The last census general population and housing 2024 highlights significant progress in the field of education in Morocco, notably an increase in school enrollment rate and one decline in illiteracy. However, major challenges remain, linked to regional disparities, gender gaps and the integration of digital technologies into the education system. These findings call for inclusive policies to ensure equitable access to education for all.
The analysis of data from shared documents highlights several key aspects relating to the education, training and higher education sector in Morocco:
Schooling increasing but still unequal
School enrollment rate: Notable progress has been recorded in the schooling of children under 15 years old, with a significant increase for girls in rural areas, reaching 95.1% for 6-11 year olds in 2024. However, gaps remain between urban and rural areas, and between the sexes for certain age groups.
Average duration of schooling: The national average increased from 4.4 years in 2014 to 6.3 years in 2024. Urban regions and men remain advantaged, with notable disparities in regions like Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Drâa-Tafilalet .
Improvement in educational level
Secondary and higher level: Around 39.1% of Moroccans aged 25 and over have at least a secondary college level of education in 2024, compared to 30.2% in 2014. The major urban centers and the southern regions show results above the national average.
Illiteracy: The illiteracy rate fell to 24.8% in 2024, compared to 32.2% in 2014. This decline is more marked among women and in rural areas, even if regional disparities remain.
Challenges for higher education
The proportion of people with higher education remains limited, although progress has been made. Urban regions, such as Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, concentrate a large proportion of higher education graduates.
Technologies and education
Digital equipment: 84.4% of Moroccans have a personal mobile phone, but only 8.8% have a computer or tablet. Internet use is widespread among young people (76.9% for 15-34 year olds), but remains less common in rural areas (40.4%).
Digital education: These figures highlight the potential and need to further integrate digital into teaching methods to reduce gaps.
Regional disparities
Southern regions, such as Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, stand out with higher literacy and education rates. On the other hand, regions like Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Drâa-Tafilalet are still experiencing significant delays.
Read and written languages: varied mastery depending on region and environment
The census shows that 99.2% of the literate population aged 10 and over can read and write in Arabic, while 1.5% master Amazigh with the Tifinagh script. Regarding foreign languages, proficiency is distributed as follows: 57.7% for French, 20.5% for English, 1.2% for Spanish, and 1% for other languages.
Knowledge of French and English is significantly higher in urban areas, with 64.3% and 25.2% of the population literate respectively, compared to 42.1% and 9.6% in rural areas.
Morocco has made significant progress in access to education and improving the level of studies. However, regional disparities, gender gaps, and challenges related to the integration of digital technologies require special attention. An inclusive education policy, supported by targeted investments and better distribution of resources, is essential to address these challenges and align the Moroccan education system with the socio-economic needs of the country.
