The Alarming Rise of 'Ninis' in Morocco
In Morocco, the number of young individuals aged between 15 and 29 who are neither studying nor working—commonly referred to as 'ninis'—has reached an astonishing 2.9 million. This figure represents nearly double the count from three years ago, indicating a troubling trend where approximately one in every three Moroccan youths falls into this category of inactivity. Recent statistical data released by the High Planning Commission (HCP), the official body responsible for producing, analyzing, and publishing statistics in Morocco, highlights that nearly half of these 'ninis' are concentrated in the age group of 25 to 29 years. This concentration underscores the significant challenges faced by young individuals when attempting to integrate into the workforce.
The HCP report further reveals gender disparities within this demographic, with a striking 72% of 'ninis' being women. Alarmingly, nearly three out of four individuals in this group lack any recognized qualifications, which exacerbates their employment challenges. According to the latest official population census conducted in 2024, Morocco has a total population of approximately 36.8 million, which includes around 8.2 million young people aged 15 to 29. This means that the 2.9 million 'ninis' represent slightly more than 35% of the young population in Morocco, raising concerns about the economic future of these individuals and the nation as a whole.
Barriers to Youth Employment
The phenomenon of 'ninis' in Morocco is closely linked to women's participation in the economy and the social and familial barriers that often exclude them from active roles. The report from the HCP elaborates on this issue, noting that the structure of the 'ninis' group is predominantly composed of inactive individuals, with housewives making up the majority. In 2023 alone, there were approximately 1.5 million young 'ninis' aged between 15 and 24 years, equating to about 25.6% of the total population in that age range. This data reflects not only the urgent need for targeted policies to enhance youth employment opportunities but also the necessity for societal shifts that support women's integration into the workforce.
As reported by eldebate.com.
