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US Partnering with Morocco to Support its Human Development: Part I – Jean R. AbiNader
Jean R. AbiNader, Exec. Dir., Moroccan American Trade and Investment Center
Jean R. AbiNader, MATIC
January 3, 2014
What better way to start a new year than to review events of the last quarter and see what the indicators tell us about how Morocco is progressing.
The highlight of 2013 was, of course, the meeting in November between President Obama and King Mohammed VI to renew and upgrade the bilateral partnership.
The well-crafted diplomatic statement that was released detailed modes of cooperation and coordination between the two long-time allies, and several agreements were signed or announced that defined the way forward.
One of the agreements that addresses key issues discussed by the King and President Obama is the USAID Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2013-2017, which describes how USAID will help support Morocco’s efforts “to improve workforce development practices, enhance citizen participation and increase the quality of primary education.”
Some useful facts: the first US economic assistance agreement with Morocco was signed on April 2, 1957; the CDCS — part of the larger framework of the US-Morocco Strategic Dialogue launched on September 13, 2012 — is “one of only six such bilateral agreements in existence.”
Supporting the Reform Agenda
There are numerous references in the CDCS to the importance of Morocco’s reform agenda and the constructive actions of King Mohammed VI in response to the Arab Spring. It points out that while the entire region experienced some level of unrest, “a reformist constitution and strong political will have positively positioned Morocco for accelerating progress towards development goals.” The CDCS places continued political reform at the center of Morocco’s development agenda and welcomes the dynamic link between reform and progress that is evident in Morocco’s 2011 Constitution. “Given this unprecedented democratic opening, Morocco is well positioned to make significant improvements to democratic processes, allowing the country to implement its reform agenda in a pluralistic and sustainable manner.”
The momentum of political reform includes broadening opportunities for greater civic engagement by Moroccans at all levels, complemented by increased economic activity that deals with the central issues of unemployment and market related education.
For most of the last decade, Morocco’s economic performance has been steady, and the CDCS links continued political progress and sustained economic growth. “Implementing the needed reforms to create more inclusive growth is therefore essential to preserving solid economic performance in a challenging external environment.”
The Moroccan economy has been negatively impacted over the past three years by the decline of investments from and exports to the Eurozone, as well as fewer remittances from Moroccans working abroad. To offset these trends, Morocco is greatly expanding its presence in Africa and broadening its development agenda to support greater political and economic participation. And it is in the areas of employment promotion, greater opportunities for women, capacity building for civil society, and political party reform that USAID is poised to make important contributions under the new plan.
USAID Focuses on Short and Medium-term Workforce Empowerment
As detailed in the CDCS, USAID believes that it can work with partners throughout the country to help reach Morocco’s development goals.
“Due to the experience of past projects in Morocco and civic participation best practices from work done around the world, USAID is in a unique position to help Moroccan Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and public institutions nurture civic participation in public decision-making during this critical juncture in Morocco’s democratic evolution. From issues of workforce development to civil society capacity building, USAID has worked with stakeholders throughout Morocco to define a multifaceted strategy on the issues of employment and capacity building.
“USAID is proposing to enhance youth employability by focusing on the transition from education to employment for university and vocational students and recent graduates. The Mission will take an integrative approach to help Morocco adopt demand-led education and training systems that are both flexible and aligned to high-impact sectors and industries.” Projects described in the CDCS supplement existing programs, collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, and have a particular focus on raising opportunities for women.
Among its many efforts, “USAID will work closely with the Ministry of Employment to strengthen its planning and monitoring and evaluation capabilities, while advocating for flexible hiring practices beneficial to youth.”
Rather than focus on specific sectors, which is being done by other donors, government agencies, and private industry, USAID resources will target potential employees regardless of their industry or service.
Drawing on its global experience, communicating broadly and collaborating with stakeholders, providing data and metrics that will facilitate best and sustainable practices and taking an integrated strategy in delivering its programs and projects will enable USAID and Mission Director Dana Mansuri to further enhance their effectiveness as proactive partners in Morocco’s development.
Jean R. AbiNader is Executive Director of the Moroccan American Trade and Investment Center.
Co-published with Fair Observer (www.fairobserver.com).