Morocco exceeds 90% coverage in urban planning and consolidates its economic growth

Morocco has reached a key milestone in its territorial development policy by exceeding 90% coverage in urban planning at the national level, with 1,341 of its 1,503 communes operating under officially approved urban planning documents. This figure, announced by the Minister of National Planning, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, represents a decisive step towards orderly, sustainable urbanisation that generates opportunities for all Moroccans. 

This achievement not only responds to the need to channel the country's urban growth, but also has profound economic and social implications. According to Minister El Mansouri, the strengthening of urban planning has allowed for better land use management, has encouraged private investment and has oriented the development of infrastructure and services towards more sustainable and inclusive models. 

During 2024, the authorities processed more than 73,000 applications for building permits, of which 42,345 were approved. This intense activity reflects the importance of the urban sector and its direct impact on the national economy. The development of the built environment is accompanied by sustained growth in employment in the construction sector, which continues to be one of the main drivers of employment in Morocco. 

Government housing support programmes have also played a crucial role. This year alone, more than 20,000 applications were approved, facilitating access to real estate for thousands of families and generating nearly 60,000 jobs.  

Minister El Mansouri emphasised that this progress is the result of a paradigm shift in urban governance, characterised by greater flexibility, a firm commitment to facilitating investment and a clear orientation towards territorial equity. One of the priority objectives of the new approach is to reduce the gap between urban and rural areas, through the expansion of development programmes to historically marginalised regions, the regularisation of informal settlements and the implementation of public policies with an inclusive perspective. 

In this context, the Ministry has established a partnership with the National School of Architecture in Fez to improve the urban landscape of the provinces of Taza and Taounate, regions that require specific interventions to guarantee balanced and sustainable development. 

As Morocco continues its urbanisation process, it is becoming increasingly clear that the integration of strategic planning, investment incentives and social equity policies will be decisive in consolidating a truly inclusive and resilient urban development model.