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Morocco and France signed two significant agreements today in Rabat. Totaling €150 million, the agreements are aimed at supporting Morocco’s social reform initiatives, said an official statement.
The agreements focus on the Generalization of Mandatory Health Insurance and the Government Plan for Gender Equality 2023-2026, it added.
Morocco’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy Fouzi Lekjaa signed the agreement with French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier, along with Quiterie Pincent, the Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Morocco.
The first agreement is worth €100 million and it is part of AFD’s support for Morocco’s universal social protection program.
The agreement aims to support the governance reforms to improve the functioning of Mandatory Health Insurance known as AMO as well as promoting equity and taking gender issues into account.
The second agreement of €50 million, aims to contribute to reducing gender inequalities by covering two goals, including operationalizing and deploying gender sensitive budgeting, including in local areas as well as empowering women.
Commenting on the agreements, Lekjaa said that they are part of the bilateral ties between the two countries, recalling the French president’s historic State visit to Morocco in October.
“Both partnerships align with the strategic priorities of the Moroccan government and are fully in line with the overarching development vision of his majesty King Mohammed VI,” Lekjaa said.
Lecourtier also stressed the importance of bilateral ties between the two countries, highlighting the strong and historic cooperation marked by “unwavering solidarity” to address shared challenges and global issues.
Morocco aims to provide all citizens with healthcare and social security to protect the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Last week, head of government Aziz Akhannouch chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Agency for Social Support (ANSS) Board of Directors, marking a significant step in implementing Morocco’s social protection strategy.
The direct social aid program targets improving living standards for vulnerable families, reducing poverty, and promoting social development with a budget allocation of MAD 25 billion for 2024.
The program benefits nearly four million households, including 5.4 children and 1.2 million seniors over the age of 60.
