The Moroccan handicraft sector, long rooted in tradition and cultural heritage, is undergoing a significant transformation as it asserts itself as a vital pillar of the national economy, representing 7% of GDP, Lahcen Saadi, Secretary of State in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy said.
The sector now employs over 2.7 million people, making it the country’s second-largest source of employment, he told members of Parliament.
As parts of efforts to curb the informal character of the handicrafts sector, the minister said a national register now counts more than 420,000 registered artisans, and efforts are underway to establish professional organizations tailored to each craft.
These bodies will be instrumental in negotiating sector-specific program contracts aimed at improving access to financing, professional training, and raw materials, while also protecting endangered crafts.
The sector’s exports exceeded 1.11 billion dirhams, reflecting increased demand for Moroccan artisanal products.
