Morocco's Cooperatives Created 24,000 Jobs in 2025

Morocco just proved that cooperatives aren't just good for communities—they're powerful job creators. The North African nation generated over 24,000 new jobs through its cooperative sector during 2025 alone.

The announcement came during a ceremony in Marrakech marking the close of the International Year of Cooperatives. Lahcen Es-saady, Secretary of State for Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, shared the milestone with pride.

Morocco now boasts 65,000 active cooperatives across the country. These member-owned businesses span everything from traditional handicrafts to modern services, all operating on principles of shared ownership and democratic control.

The government didn't just celebrate past wins. Officials unveiled a digital ecosystem to help cooperatives reach new markets and connect with customers online.

They also launched "Mourafaka," a structured support program that will guide 500 newly established cooperatives each year. The program goes beyond simple funding, offering training, mentorship, and ongoing support to help new cooperatives survive and thrive.

For young people and women looking to start their own cooperative ventures, Morocco created a project bank. This resource provides access to proven business models that have already succeeded elsewhere, reducing the guesswork of starting from scratch.

The Ripple Effect

The cooperative model creates jobs that stay rooted in local communities. When workers own their businesses together, profits get shared among members rather than flowing to distant shareholders.

Morocco's push comes as the United Nations promotes cooperatives worldwide as a path toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The UN designated 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, recognizing how these businesses can reduce poverty while protecting workers' rights.

Es-saady also announced that Morocco is updating its National Strategy for the Social and Solidarity Economy based on feedback from people working in the sector. A new framework law is ready to enter the legislative process, potentially making it easier to start and run cooperatives.

The Office for Cooperative Development, which has supported Morocco's cooperative sector since 1962, continues providing training programs and legal assistance to help these businesses succeed.

Twenty-four thousand jobs represent twenty-four thousand families with more stable income, more control over their work lives, and more hope for the future.