Rabat – Morocco’s ambitious social protection initiative is projected to cost MAD 29 billion ($3 billion) by 2025, according to Fouzi Lekjaa, the country’s Minister Delegate for the Budget.
Speaking in Rabat on Tuesday, Lekjaa detailed the financial progress and future outlook for the project, which aims to overhaul the country’s social welfare system.
During a session of oral questions in the Chamber of Counselors, Lekjaa reported that since the project’s inception, MAD 17.45 billion ($1.7 billion) has been allocated. In July alone, MAD 2.04 billion ($200 million) were transferred, benefiting 3.8 million families.
Lekjaa described the social protection project, launched by King Mohammed VI, as a “social revolution” and praised the government for adhering to the timeline set by the framework law governing the initiative.
He emphasized that maintaining the project’s momentum is a top priority in budget planning.
The framework law, No. 09-21, outlines key principles for financing, including a comprehensive review of existing social programs, which number over 90 and entail substantial costs.
To ensure the project’s sustainability, Lekjaa mentioned several measures, including the introduction of a social solidarity contribution and revenue from one-time contributions.
He argued that revising social programs and securing stable funding through these contributions will be crucial for the successful continuation of the social protection initiative.
Morocco’s plan to expand social protection is lauded on the international stage. Yesterday, the United Nations commended Morocco for its efforts in enhancing and boosting its social welfare system.
“Morocco’s endeavors to broaden the scope, adequacy, and inclusiveness of its social protection deserve commendation from all quarters,” said Li Junhua, Deputy Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the UN.
