Marrakech, Morocco – A comprehensive audit is underway to assess the governance, financial management and operational effectiveness of Morocco’s ambitious Cités des Métiers et des Compétences (CMC) program. Launched as a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to bolster youth employment and economic competitiveness, the initiative is now subject to scrutiny across all twelve regional centers, with the evaluation expected to conclude by the conclude of 2024. The audit, initiated by the Office de la Formation Professionnelle et de la Promotion du Travail (OFPPT), will examine everything from infrastructure quality to risk management, signaling a commitment to transparency and accountability in a program representing a significant investment in Morocco’s future workforce.
The Cités des Métiers et des Compétences, or Cities of Trades and Skills, represent a fundamental shift in Morocco’s approach to vocational training. Designed to be multi-sectoral and integrated within regional economic ecosystems, these centers aim to provide training in fields with high employment potential. The program’s roots lie in the High Royal Instructions of King Mohammed VI, and it aligns with a latest roadmap for the development of professional training presented in April 2019. This audit isn’t simply a bureaucratic exercise; it’s a critical assessment of whether these ambitious goals are being met and whether the substantial financial resources allocated to the program are being used effectively.
The scale of the CMC program is considerable. The audit will cover the twelve centers located across Morocco: Souss-Massa, Oriental, Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Casablanca-Settat, Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Fès-Meknès, Marrakech-Safi, Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, Guelmim-Oued Noun, and Drâa-Tafilalet. The OFPPT launched a call for tenders to conduct the evaluation, indicating a desire for an “exhaustive and transparent” assessment. This commitment to openness is crucial, given the program’s strategic importance and the significant public investment involved.
The Three Pillars of the CMC Audit
The audit is structured around three key missions, designed to provide a holistic view of the program’s performance. The first mission focuses on the governance of the Société Foncière – the real estate company – and the management companies overseeing the CMCs. This will involve examining organizational structures, compliance with funding agreements, and the effectiveness of decision-making processes. The initial capital of the Société Foncière is 600 million Moroccan dirhams, equally funded by the OFPPT and the Fonds Hassan II, as reported by the CMC Marrakech-Safi. The funds are used to finance the construction of the centers, with interventions capped at 1.6 billion dirhams for the OFPPT and 2 billion dirhams for the Fonds Hassan II.
The second mission centers on the design and implementation of the program itself. Auditors will analyze the various phases of deployment, assess the achievement of objectives outlined in the 2019 roadmap, evaluate the quality of training provided, and measure the impact on beneficiaries. Crucially, the audit will also examine cost evolution and optimization measures. The CMCs were conceived as integrated training facilities, positioned to respond to the specific needs of their regional economies. The recently opened CMC in Marrakech-Safi, for example, offers 75 diploma and qualification programs across eight professional sectors, according to a press release from the CMC, with a capacity to accommodate 3,000 students.
The final mission will assess the engagement of stakeholders, including government ministries, the Fonds Hassan II, and the OFPPT itself. The audit will evaluate the quality of relationships and interactions, measure the level of involvement from each actor, identify any obstacles to effective collaboration, and formulate recommendations to strengthen partnerships. The Ministry of Economy and Finance, for instance, is committed to providing support for land acquisition and ensuring the financial stability of the program through potential subsidies.
A Strategic Initiative for Morocco’s Future
The Cités des Métiers et des Compétences program is widely viewed as a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing Morocco’s vocational training system. The OFPPT emphasizes that the program is a direct response to the evolving economic landscape and the require for a skilled workforce. The goal is to create a new generation of institutions capable of enhancing employability, boosting business competitiveness, and stimulating economic growth at the regional level. The program’s emphasis on “learning by doing” – prioritizing practical skills acquisition through active experimentation – represents a departure from traditional, more theoretical approaches to vocational training.
The Marrakech-Safi CMC, which opened its doors on February 20, 2026, welcomed its first cohort of over 1,550 students, as detailed in a recent press release. This opening follows the launch of similar centers in Dakhla Oued-Eddahab in November, and others in regions across the country. The Marrakech-Safi facility is built on a six-hectare site and represents a significant investment in the region’s human capital.
The Role of the Société Foncière
The Société Foncière plays a pivotal role in the development and financing of the CMCs. It is responsible for defining the institutional, legal, and financial framework for each center, subject to approval by a steering committee. The Société Foncière can also establish subsidiaries in partnership with regional authorities or private operators to manage investments. This flexible approach allows for tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each region. The audit will scrutinize the effectiveness of this structure, ensuring that it promotes efficiency and transparency in the allocation of resources.
The OFPPT, as the primary implementing agency, is committed to ensuring that the CMCs deliver high-quality training that aligns with the needs of the labor market. The organization has a long history of partnerships with international organizations and countries, focusing on technical assistance and trainer development, according to the OFPPT’s official website. This international collaboration is expected to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the CMC program.
Looking Ahead: Audit Findings and Future Implications
The findings of the audit, expected to be released in the first half of 2025, will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the Cités des Métiers et des Compétences program. The audit’s recommendations will likely inform adjustments to governance structures, financial management practices, and training curricula. The success of the program hinges on its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and to deliver tangible benefits to both individuals and businesses.
The audit’s focus on stakeholder engagement is particularly important. Effective collaboration between government, industry, and educational institutions is essential to ensure that the CMCs provide training that is relevant and responsive to the needs of the labor market. The program’s long-term success will depend on its ability to foster a strong sense of ownership and commitment among all stakeholders.
The next key checkpoint will be the publication of the audit’s findings, anticipated in early 2025. This report will provide a detailed assessment of the program’s performance and will outline recommendations for improvement. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important initiative in the comments below.