Morocco

37.4

Population 2022 (Millions)

0.68

HDI Score
2021 (Max. 1)

70.9

SDG Score
2023
(Max. 100)

0.43

Gender Inequality
Index Score
(Max. 1)

51

Internet Inclusivity
Index 2022
(100 countries)

Sources: 1. World Bank (2022), 2, UNDP (2021), 3. Sustainable Development Report (2023), 4. UNDP (2021), 5. Economist Impact (2022)

Overview

Situated in a mountainous region of North Africa, Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a history dating back to Ancient Egypt. In more recent times, the country was a protectorate of France and Spain, until gaining independence in 1956. Since then, one of its most well-known conflicts is over control of Western Sahara (which continues to this day). While Morocco has experienced significant social and economic progress, challenges still remain in the form of high illiteracy rates (one quarter of the population) and wealth disparity, as well as threats from disenfranchised youth and religious extremism.

Projects

Feasibility Study for the Establishment of a Category 2 Center Under the Auspices of UNESCO on Artificial Intelligence

DPA conducted a feasibility study that included a full assessment and a recommendation. The final report summarized the findings and conclusion on whether or not the proposed Center should be created as a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO. DPA´s approach and methodology were based on three steps: 1) Identification of key documents and stakeholders; 2) Collection and analysis of relevant data and information.  This second step involved the collection and analysis of key data and information; 3) Development of deliverables and recommendations in a final report.

Mental Health and Gender Inequality in the MENA Region: An Analysis of Shock Related Factors Within the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Economic Research Forum (ERF), DPA produced a research paper investigating the potential associations between the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 on the gendered mental health inequalities in the MENA region. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, based on a thorough literature review, and the analysis of quantitative data via the application of the Oaxaca-Blinder (OB) decomposition model. The results of this study were used to produce a policy paper with targeted recommendations to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on women’s mental health, as well as to improve their social and economic well-being.