Morocco ranks low in female workforce participation among African nations

A new report from the African Center for Economic Transformation reveals that Morocco lags behind many African countries in workplace gender inclusion, according to Hespress.

The Kingdom placed 32nd out of 42 countries in the 2025 African Women Inclusion Index. While Morocco earned high marks for its legal and regulatory policies supporting gender inclusion, significant gaps remain in women’s representation in leadership roles, financial access, and overall economic participation.

South Africa led the rankings, followed by Namibia and Kenya, while Egypt, Algeria, and Niger ranked at the bottom.

The report acknowledges Morocco’s efforts to promote women’s political involvement and uphold women’s rights. However, it notes that deeply rooted societal norms continue to restrict women’s full engagement in the economy.

To accelerate progress, the report suggests several strategies: enhancing data collection on gender inequalities, embedding gender-focused policies into economic planning, and challenging social norms that limit women’s empowerment. It also emphasizes the influential role of religious and traditional leaders in reshaping attitudes and promoting greater female involvement in decision-making and economic activities.