The World Bank has approved a $300 million loan to Morocco to accelerate the transformation of higher education, scientific research, and innovation. In a statement released on Friday, the World Bank clarified that this funding is intended to support the Moroccan government’s ambitious plan to expedite reforms in the education system.
The program aims to develop innovative and transformative methods to increase the impact of higher education and scientific research for the benefit of Moroccan citizens, both now and in the future. This includes establishing a mechanism for tracking graduate employability, integrating transferable skills into academic programs, adopting over 200,000 students in language or digital skills, and increasing student enrollment and graduation in priority degree programs that meet the social and economic sectors’ needs by 2029.
Jesco Henschel, the World Bank’s Regional Director for the Maghreb and Malta, emphasized that Morocco’s new development model highlights the importance of investing in higher education and scientific research to achieve sustainable, low-carbon growth and create job opportunities.
The bank official explained that this program aims to enhance the relevance and quality of Morocco’s public higher education system, benefiting students, faculty, and researchers at public universities.
Cornelia Jesse, the World Bank’s Senior Education Specialist and program team leader, mentioned that choosing priority sectors responds to current and future national and international workforce demands, particularly for green and resilient digital jobs.
Jesse added that global data indicates that “university governance” is a crucial driver for change and a decisive factor in achieving educational goals.
