Morocco’s Disability Rate Rises to 8.7% in 2026

Morocco’s disability prevalence reached 8.7% in 2026, according to preliminary findings presented in Rabat by Abdeljabbar Rachidi, secretary of state responsible for social inclusion. Severe disabilities accounted for 2.3% of the total.

The rate rose from 6.8% in the previous national survey, conducted in 2014. Rachidi said the increase largely reflected changes in how disability was measured. The latest survey included children aged 2 to 17, used UNICEF tools, and applied the expanded Washington Group list for adults aged 18 and older. Morocco’s ageing population also contributed to the change, he said.

The findings point to effects reaching beyond individuals. Around 29% of Moroccan households include at least one person with a disability, creating direct and indirect costs linked to care and support. Families remain responsible for medicine and pharmacy expenses for 65.6% of people with disabilities.

Women account for 53.6% of people with disabilities, compared with 46.4% for men. The urban population represents 60.5%, while 39.5% lives in rural areas. Rachidi said the figures support a shift from a single national policy to more targeted measures that reflect local needs.

The survey began in January 2026 and examines living conditions, barriers to social and economic inclusion, and access to health care, education, employment, social protection and participation. Its sample grew from about 16,000 households in 2014 to 20,412 in 2026. Fieldwork involved 47 teams and 236 researchers. The study was conducted by the secretary of state’s office with the High Commission for Planning, the National Observatory for Human Development and the United Nations Population Fund.