The World Bank has approved a $250 million financing package to aid Morocco's social protection reform. This initiative, named the Support to Strengthening of Social Safety Nets for Human Development Project, aims to improve the effectiveness of Morocco's social protection system. It focuses on enhancing access and delivery of cash transfers and expanding the social benefit package for vulnerable households.
Morocco has achieved significant economic and development progress over the past two decades through social protection reforms. These efforts have led to improved living standards and increased access to essential services. Despite challenges such as high unemployment and low female labor force participation, Morocco is committed to fostering inclusive growth. The country is also addressing recent external challenges like drought and inflation, with a focus on reducing poverty and enhancing resilience in rural areas.
In December 2023, Morocco launched the Direct Social Benefit (DSB) program as part of its national social protection reform. By March 2025, this program had reached over 3.9 million households. The World Bank project supports the National Agency for Social Support (ANSS) in implementing the DSB program, which enhances access to cash assistance for poor households while facilitating socio-economic support through improved access to social services and economic inclusion programs.
Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, Division Director for the Maghreb and Malta at the World Bank stated: "Morocco has demonstrated resilience in the face of multiple challenges, with the national poverty rate reaching 3.8 percent in 2022." He noted that despite rising income inequality, there is an opportunity to enhance integrated social safety nets by enabling households to invest in human capital and withstand economic shocks.
The program will also assist ANSS in strengthening governance of the DSB program and improving coordination with public institutions responsible for social services. Additionally, it will enhance DSB delivery systems by utilizing innovative mechanisms.