Morocco surpasses 90% municipal coverage in national urban planning strategy

Over 1,340 communes now guided by approved planning documents amid push for sustainable development

RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) – Morocco has reached a significant milestone in its urban planning strategy, with more than 90% of the country’s municipalities now operating under approved urban development frameworks, according to the Ministry of National Planning.

Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri announced that 1,341 out of 1,503 communes are currently covered by validated planning documents, a development she described as vital to optimizing land use, boosting investment, and promoting sustainable territorial growth.

“This achievement is a cornerstone in shaping Morocco’s urban future,” El Mansouri said, noting the strategic impact of this coverage on both economic development and the quality of life in urban and rural areas alike.

In 2024, Moroccan authorities processed 73,000 construction permit applications, approving 42,345, which points to a surge in regulated urban expansion. 

The government’s housing support initiatives also saw over 20,000 approved applications, helping to advance homeownership and creating approximately 60,000 jobs in the construction sector — a key contributor to the national economy.

The minister emphasized a shift in urban governance toward greater flexibility and investment facilitation. 

The revised approach includes focused efforts to address informal housing, bridge urban-rural disparities, and promote balanced territorial development.

To support this inclusive vision, the ministry has partnered with the National School of Architecture in Fez to improve urban planning in the provinces of Taza and Taounate, aiming to integrate architectural innovation into regional revitalization efforts.

As Morocco continues to urbanize, El Mansouri underscored the importance of aligning strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and social equity to ensure that growth is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.