As 2024 draws to an end, Morocco celebrates a year filled with remarkable achievements. Over the past 12 months, the Kingdom has marked significant diplomatic victories, social, and economic progress, as well as cultural milestones that have solidified its position on the global stage. Here is a look back at the key events and milestones that shaped Morocco in 2024.
Diplomatic Breakthroughs
Morocco achieved a significant diplomatic victory on July 30 when France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. The decision represented a monumental shift in France’s stance and policy and added to Morocco’s growing international support.
President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement, conveyed in a formal letter to King Mohammed VI, declared Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as “the only basis” for resolving the long-standing regional dispute. With this decision, France joined a growing list of countries, including the US and Spain, in backing Morocco’s territorial integrity.
King Mohammed VI hailed the decision as a milestone in fostering peace and stability in the region.
Political Developments
This year brought significant changes to Morocco’s political landscape. Three years after the coalition led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch took office, King Mohammed VI issued orders on October 23 for a government reshuffle.
The reshuffle involved the appointment of six new ministers in response to mounting public dissatisfaction. Among the most notable changes was the replacement of Abdelatif Midaoui, the controversial Minister of Higher Education, whose policies had sparked a two-year strike in medical universities. Azzedine El Midaoui, an academic with no prior political experience, was appointed in his place.
Mohamed Saad Berrada took over as Minister of National Education and Sports, while his predecessor, Chakib Benmoussa, was tasked with leading the National Statistics Office (HCP). The health ministry also saw a change, with Amine Tahraoui replacing Khalid Ait Taleb, known for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Ghita Mezzour, who had led the Morocco Digital 2030 initiative, stepped down in favor of Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, a distinguished figure in artificial intelligence and the new minister delegate for digital transition and administrative reform.
The government reorganization was largely seen as a step toward regaining public confidence and enhancing administrative efficiency.
Social Developments
The year saw significant social and educational developments in Morocco, marked by efforts to resolve pressing issues in the education sector.
Following widespread protests, the government suspended the controversial “New Fundamental Framework” reform in January, which had sparked outrage among teachers for imposing additional responsibilities without proportional compensation.
In a bid to resolve tensions, the government approved a pay raise for Moroccan teachers of MAD 1,500 ($149).
In addition, the government settled with medical and pharmaceutical students, ending 11 months of ongoing strikes. The boycott follows the government’s decision to reduce the training years for medical students from seven years to six years.
On the welfare front, the government advanced its efforts to make healthcare universally accessible in Morocco. A key measure is the merger of the National Fund of Social Security (CNSS), which manages benefits for private-sector employees, with the National Fund for Social Security Organizations (CNOPS), which is responsible for the public sector.
This reform aims to improve efficiency, broaden coverage, and extend health benefits to all, including those unable to pay contributions, while addressing the financial challenges of the deficit-ridden CNOPS.
Under the leadership of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the kingdom took a significant step toward safeguarding women’s and children’s rights with the proposed reforms to its Family Law.
The committee in charge has proposed key changes, including setting the legal marriage age at 18, with an exception for 17-year-olds under strict conditions, and allowing Moroccans abroad to marry without Muslim witnesses.
Polygamy would only be allowed in exceptional cases, with consultation during marriage registration. Divorce cases would be handled by a new reconciliation body, with a six-month resolution limit. Child custody would be shared, with the mother retaining custody even after remarriage.
The amendments also address financial transparency, shared legal guardianship, and judicial oversight of minors’ assets. Additionally, they allow gifting wealth to heirs during one’s lifetime and permit gifts between spouses of different religions, aiming to modernize Morocco’s Family Law.
Sporting Glory
Moroccan athletes shone on the world stage in 2024, particularly at the Paris Olympic Games. Soufiane El Bakkali, a national icon, secured a gold medal in track and field, becoming a double Olympic champion.
The U23 Atlas Lions also took center stage, winning a bronze medal at the Olympics following a resounding 6-0 victory against Egypt. Moroccan athletes further excelled in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, winning 15 medals and setting two world records.
Adding to the country’s sports achievements, Morocco, in a joint bid with Spain and Portugal, was selected as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The historic decision, announced in December, marked Morocco as the second African nation to host the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
Morocco has reaffirmed its status as a prime destination for major sports events by hosting the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech. In addition to hosting the awards ceremony, four Moroccan football figures were recognized for their exceptional achievements.
Cultural Milestones
This year, Morocco ramped up efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. Following a request from Morocco, UNESCO designated the henna tradition as part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage list.”
The UNESCO list also welcomed Morocco’s Tbourida equestrian performance, a centuries-old tradition, along with Arabic calligraphy.
In a week-long session in Paraguay, UNESCO recognized other significant Moroccan traditions.
The country also celebrated the return of the music event “Mawazine Festival” after four years following the lockdown. The grand opening of the Grand Theatre of Rabat, an architectural masterpiece, during Macron’s visit to Morocco in October, was also a noteworthy moment this year.
The year also saw the launch of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, celebrating the ties the two nations share. This year-long initiative fostered cultural exchange and strengthened bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
Economic Progress
Over the past quarter-century, Morocco has undergone a significant transformation with an ambitious modernization agenda, and 2024 continued this trend. The government expanded solar and wind energy projects, including enhancements to the “Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex.”
Hosting GITEX Africa 2024 showcased Morocco’s ambitions in digitalization and technology innovation, driving investments and advancing the goals of the digitalization 2030 strategy.
Investments in modernizing road and rail networks, particularly in the Moroccan Sahara, were part of Morocco’s broader strategy to integrate these areas into the national economy. The Kingdom designated approximately 18,000 hectares of public land for investment initiatives in 2024, targeting sectors critical to growth, including renewable energy, tourism, and housing.
To bolster air connectivity, the nation’s carrier Royal Air Maroc pledged to offer over 6.5 million seats to more than 90 destinations across four continents during the summer, an increase of 300,000 seats compared to 2023.
In addition, plans to extend the high-speed rail network to connect the cities of Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech are underway, as part of a USD 37 billion long-term strategy to link 43 cities by 2040.
Cities such as Marrakech, Fez, and Agadir advanced plans for tram and light rail systems, further diversifying urban transport options.
Beyond grand infrastructure projects, the government has introduced an income tax reform that promises to alleviate the tax burden while maintaining social support programs.
The tax reform seeks to broaden the base without increasing pressure on citizens while implementing stricter measures against evasion.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
In 2024, Morocco commemorated the first anniversary of the devastating September 8, 2023 earthquake, honoring the victims while celebrating the resilience and recovery of affected communities.
The earthquake left a trail of destruction, claiming nearly 3,000 lives and flattening entire villages. In just over a year, more than 11,000 foundations have been dug, representing 47% of the total number of homes destroyed or severely damaged by the quake.
Approximately 1,000 new housing units have already been delivered to displaced families.
Beyond its borders, Morocco demonstrated solidarity in times of distress. Following devastating October floods in Spain, which caused 231 deaths and extensive damage, Morocco dispatched 36 tanker trucks and nearly 100 skilled workers to assist in Valencia.
Their efforts, described as “vital” by local authorities, significantly improved sanitation and public health in flood-affected areas.
Morocco’s humanitarian aid also extended to the war-torn Gaza Strip. In January, the country sent 40 tons of medical supplies, including surgical equipment, burn and fracture treatment materials, and pediatric medicine, to Palestinians in need.