Rabat – Morocco has made significant progress in the fight against inequality, climbing 30 spots to rank 73rd out of 164 countries in the 2024 Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index.
This ranking, released by Oxfam and Development Finance International (DFI), positions Morocco among the countries making notable advancements in reducing inequality, alongside Malaysia and Paraguay, which improved by 26 places.
The index assesses nations based on key indicators derived from government budgets, focusing on three main areas: public service spending, taxation, and workers’ rights.
In this year’s evaluation, Morocco ranked 90th in public service expenditure, 21st in taxation, and 97th in workers’ rights.
Norway topped the global list, followed by Canada and Australia, while South Sudan, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe were ranked at the bottom. Within the Middle East and North Africa region, Israel led, with Jordan following, while Bahrain ranked last.
The report stresses the importance of enhancing labor market policies, urging countries to ratify and enforce International Labor Organization standards and implement laws to combat discrimination and ensure equal pay.
Despite Morocco’s strides, challenges remain. A 2019 Oxfam report painted a stark picture of wealth concentration in the country, where the richest 1% control a substantial share of national wealth.
While Morocco has seen dynamic growth over the past two decades, the wealth gap persists, with the country ranking as the most unequal in North Africa.
The report also notes concerning trends regarding countries receiving loans from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the findings, 94% of these countries have reduced vital investments in education, health, and social protection over the past two years.
This figure is even higher for the world’s poorest nations, where 95% have pursued similar cuts.
Kate Donald, Head of Oxfam International’s Washington DC office, was quoted in the report commenting on the dire implications of these austerity measures:“These cuts are not just disappointing; they’re dangerous and fundamentally anti-development.”
Morocco’s trajectory in reducing multidimensional poverty has been notable, particularly in rural areas, where poverty rates dropped from 73.4% in 2001 to 11.2% in 2022.
