Direct State Housing Assistance
The Government Council approved a draft decree concerning direct state housing assistance and the procedures for granting this support to purchasers acquiring homes intended as their primary residence.
The draft was presented by the Secretary of State to the Minister of National Land Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy, in charge of Housing, on behalf of the minister in charge, as part of efforts to continue implementing the direct housing assistance program.
The text concerns Draft Decree No. 2.26.578, amending and supplementing Decree No. 2.23.350 of 1 Jumada I 1445 (November 15, 2023), relating to direct state housing assistance and the procedures for granting it to purchasers of homes intended as their primary residence.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry Delegate in charge of Relations with Parliament, Government Spokesperson, the text forms part of the continued implementation of the direct housing assistance scheme.
The updating of the regulatory framework comes amid efforts to facilitate access to homeownership and support households seeking to purchase a home for their primary residence.
Two New Industrial Acceleration Zones
In the industrial sector, the Government Council also approved two draft decrees concerning the establishment of the El Jorf and Bouknadel 2 Industrial Acceleration Zones (IAZs).
Presented by the Minister of Industry and Trade, the first text concerns amendments to the decree establishing the El Jorf Industrial Acceleration Zone, while the second provides for the creation of the Bouknadel 2 Industrial Acceleration Zone.
The first is Draft Decree No. 2.26.98, amending Decree No. 2.24.257 of Ramadan 18, 1445 (March 29, 2024), establishing the El Jorf Industrial Acceleration Zone.
The second is Draft Decree No. 2.26.593, concerning the establishment of the Bouknadel 2 Industrial Acceleration Zone.
These texts form part of ongoing efforts to develop and organize areas dedicated to industrial activities, enhance Morocco’s attractiveness to investors and support the development of the country’s industrial base.
Strengthening the Legal Framework on Chemical Weapons
The Government Council also adopted a draft decree concerning the prohibition of the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons, as well as their destruction, while taking into account the comments raised during its examination.
The draft was presented by the Minister of Justice.
It concerns Draft Decree No. 2.26.271, amending Law No. 36.09 on the prohibition of the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and their destruction.
The text is aimed at strengthening Morocco’s national legal framework concerning chemical weapons and consolidating the legal provisions governing the prohibition of their development, production, stockpiling and use, as well as their destruction.
Three Draft Decrees on Higher Education
Higher education and scientific research also featured prominently during the Government Council meeting, which adopted three draft decrees as part of the implementation of the provisions of Law No. 59.24 on Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The three texts were presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation.
The first, Draft Decree No. 2.26.331, sets out the composition, organization and operating procedures of the National Commission for the Coordination of Higher Education, as well as the permanent commissions stemming from it.
The second, Draft Decree No. 2.26.390, amends and supplements Decree No. 2.04.89 of Rabi’ al-Thani 18, 1425 (June 7, 2004), which defines the mandates of university institutions, higher education cycles and the corresponding national degrees.
The third, Draft Decree No. 2.26.326, provides for the implementation of Articles 30, 42, 48 and 53 of Law No. 59.24 on Higher Education and Scientific Research.
These three texts constitute regulatory instruments aimed at implementing the new legislation on higher education and scientific research, particularly with regard to coordination within the higher education system, the organization of university institutions and the implementation of several provisions of the new law.
Several Regulatory Reforms Across Key Sectors
The draft decrees approved during the Government Council meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, reflect the government’s continued work on several regulatory reforms covering housing, industry, higher education and scientific research, as well as the legal framework governing chemical weapons.
The direct housing assistance decree is particularly significant given its focus on facilitating access to homeownership and supporting households seeking to purchase homes for their primary residence.
In the industrial sector, the approval of the two draft decrees concerning the El Jorf and Bouknadel 2 Industrial Acceleration Zones forms part of efforts to expand industrial areas and strengthen Morocco’s investment appeal.
In higher education, the three draft decrees are intended to support the implementation of Law No. 59.24 by establishing the necessary regulatory framework for applying its provisions.
Overall, the Government Council’s meeting addressed a broad range of economic, social, legal and academic issues, as the government continues to translate legislative provisions and public policy priorities into concrete regulatory measures.
