YOUTH INCLUSION IN MOROCCO: THE IMPACT OF FORMAL EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS AND THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

Employability and entrepreneurship are essential levers for developing and integrating young people into the economic fabric. The issue of employability represents a barrier to regional development in Morocco. Unemployment is exacerbated by the loss of jobs and the production stoppage due to the COVID-19 crisis. This article looks at the challenges facing young people in accessing employment and entrepreneurship programs in Morocco. In this context, a descriptive qualitative study was carried out among young entrepreneurs who had benefited from ANAPEC and CRI programs. This study, which lasted 4 months, aimed to understand the impact of public policies in Morocco on the inclusion of young people. During our study, several observations were made the most striking being the variables affecting access to the centers. Although initiatives are being taken to facilitate access as much as possible, certain questions remain unanswered. We know that constraints can be financial, geographical and sometimes cultural, but we don't yet know how men and women perceive them. What we do know is that gender norms and security issues create additional challenges for young women in the region. Further research is needed to understand how we can reduce the effect of these constraints to ensure equal access for young people, regardless of their gender.