Around 55,000 citizens will be involved in conducting Morocco’s 2024 national census, head of the High Commission for Planning (HCP) Ahmed Lahlimi said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference in Rabat, Alami stated that over 500,000 Moroccans had applied through the digital portal to participate in the census. Of these, 200,000 were selected to undergo online training, with the final selection process carefully considering local constraints and the need for precise, effective data collection.
Upon completion of all training units, 90,000 individuals were deemed qualified for the census process, including 55,000 who received in-person training and will directly engage in data collection efforts.
The Importance of Student and Teacher Participation
Alami expressed pride in the demographic diversity of those participating in the census. “We are particularly pleased with the high participation of students and teachers, as their involvement will help them acquire valuable skills that enhance their profiles,” he stated.
Addressing the role of teachers, Alami indirectly responded to recent criticism regarding their participation. “We would have preferred a higher percentage of teachers because they have pedagogical training and a better understanding of their districts,” he noted.
Teachers have recently faced backlash for applying to participate in the census, with some critics suggesting that they should leave the positions open for others in need of jobs. In response, Alami clarified that census participation is not considered formal employment and that “their compensation is non-taxable.”
He added that teachers have traditionally played a key role in the national census, although their participation rates have declined over the years. “Teachers have a history in national initiatives, such as the Green March, and they have a strong sense of civic duty,” he added.
A Broad Cross-Section of Moroccan Society
The census workforce represents a diverse cross-section of Moroccan society. Of those selected, 60% are students and degree holders, 32% are teachers, and the remaining 8% consist of public sector employees, private sector workers, and retirees. Women make up 37% of the participants, while young people are notably represented — 48% are aged between 20 and 29, and 80% are under 40.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the census workers, the HCP has implemented several measures, including providing transportation for those in suburban and rural areas, offering insurance coverage, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies.
Advanced Mapping and Digital Tools
As part of its preparation, the HCP has developed an extensive map screening process, covering 1.3 million economic and sociocultural institutions, 1.3 million for-profit institutions, 147,000 public service institutions, and 27,000 non-profit organizations operating in independent stores.
“This mapping will allow us to create dynamic, interactive maps through a dedicated platform,” Alami explained. “It’s a significant step towards using technology to enhance the accuracy and reach of our data collection.”
Census Goals
With 55,000 workers ready to take to the streets, this year’s census is set to be one of the most comprehensive in Morocco’s history. The data collected will provide invaluable insights for national planning, as well as for international institutions and countries around the world.
“This census is a sovereign national process that will account for the population and its geographical distribution,” Alami reckoned. “Data gathered from this census will be used by countries and institutions around the world, as all countries adhere to standardized terminology and methodology when conducting their censuses.”
The director further stressed that the census is A-political and does not serve the interest of any specific party, adding that it serves “Morocco’s aspiration for socio-economic development.”