Morocco Announces $9.9 Million Subsidy to Aid Textbook Publishers

on Aug 31, 2022

Concerned about rising textbook prices, the government of Morocco has announced a MAD 105 million ($9.9 million) subsidy for publishers to maintain price stability and citizens' purchasing power.

The assistance will be given to publishers of primary and secondary school textbooks published during the academic year 2022-23.

This government program, however, will have no impact on other school levels or educational programs.

Morocco's Compensation Fund will pay the subsidies while ensuring that the support system offered to textbook publishers is implemented.

Given the overall price inflation, Moroccan textbook publishers recently announced plans to increase textbook prices by 30%, prompting the government to increase selling price subsidies.

During the weekly meeting of the Council of Government on August 25, the decision was made public in Rabat.

At a press conference following the government meeting, Mustapha Baitas, the government spokesman, warned against "any illegal increase" in rates, adding that the government "would react with the necessary rigor."

Following a series of consultations with the Interministerial Pricing Committee, Morocco's Ministry of National Education has decided to keep textbook prices the same.

Although the state funds 70% of elementary-level textbooks as part of the Million Backpacks initiative, the government ensured that existing textbook prices were maintained to avoid parent crises.