Craftsmanship and the social and solidarity economy are emerging as key drivers of Morocco’s economic and territorial development strategy. Recent data shared by the head of government, Aziz Akhannouch, reflect a growing dynamism in these sectors, both in terms of value creation and social inclusion, as well as the promotion of local territories.
By the end of November 2025, the value of craft sector exports reached nearly 1.23 billion dirhams, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. This development follows a sustained growth trajectory, after achieving 1.1 billion dirhams for the entire year of 2024, up 40% from 2019. Between 2021 and 2024, the sector recorded an average annual growth rate of 7.4%, confirming its increasingly vital role in the national productive fabric.
Speaking before the House of Representatives during the monthly session dedicated to general policy, Aziz Akhannouch emphasized that these achievements reflect the rise of the social and solidarity economy as a true engine of value creation and as a tool for social and territorial development. According to him, this sector is a central pillar of the government’s vision aimed at strengthening territorial marketing and better showcasing local specificities.
In this context, the economic empowerment of women occupies a central place. The head of government noted that this dimension is now considered a national priority in building an emerging Morocco. Accordingly, the “Tahfiz Niswa” program has been launched to support women’s initiatives and encourage the establishment of structured and sustainable cooperatives tailored to local needs. This initiative is part of a broader set of mechanisms aimed at improving women’s access to the labor market and enhancing their participation in economic activities.
At the same time, the Executive is continuing the implementation of the “Mourafaka” program, dedicated to supporting newly created cooperatives, with a target of 500 units per year. This program relies on structured support, combining strategic diagnostics, collective training, and individualized assistance. The government has also completed the “Generation Solidarity” program, which aims to encourage youth engagement in sustainable cooperative work and has financed over 128 projects led by young people since its launch.
Promoting local products is another central focus of this strategy. Between 2021 and 2025, twenty editions of regional fairs for the social and solidarity economy have been organized across the Kingdom, allowing the participation of over 3,600 entities, with a female representation of 54% and a strong presence of rural women. The commercialization of products showcased at these events has generated an estimated total turnover of nearly 200 million dirhams.
In the same spirit, sixteen editions of mobile markets dedicated to the social and solidarity economy have been established in various regions, providing a platform for around 1,300 entities. These initiatives aim to bring producers closer to consumers and enhance the visibility of products from local territories.
Aziz Akhannouch also mentioned the gradual implementation of model regional structures dedicated to the social and solidarity economy, aimed at promoting local products, ensuring permanent exhibition and commercialization platforms, and improving the incomes of those involved. Several projects are underway, notably in Oujda, Fez, and Azilal, through the creation of platforms, regional observatories, and houses of the social and solidarity economy.
Finally, efforts have been initiated regarding the certification and labeling of local products. To date, 77 collective brands have been established to strengthen consumer confidence and improve the marketing conditions for these products. Through these various initiatives, craftsmanship and the social and solidarity economy are gradually establishing themselves as essential components of a development model centered on local value, inclusion, and sustainability.
