Acted began its operations in Morocco following Al Haouz earthquake (8 September 2023), at the invitation of the Ministry of the Interior and Moroccan Crisis Unit. Activities have focused on reconstruction, early recovery, WASH, green and inclusive livelihoods, and sustainable infrastructure in the provinces of Taroudant, Al Haouz and Chichaoua, supporting more than 28,603 beneficiaries. Acted has implemented its operations jointly with five local organizations, including Reach Out Foundation, Moroccan Food Bank, and Center for Development of the Tensift Region, with which it has fostered long-lasting partnerships, ensuring needs-driven interventions while strengthening local capacities and fostering community empowerment.
Morocco has significant strategic potential, yet it continues to face major structural challenges that hinder the achievement of equitable, resilient, and inclusive development: gender inequalities, youth unemployment, environmental degradation, deficits in essential services, and territorial disparities. The Al Haouz earthquake, which caused 2,900 deaths, 5,500 injured, the destruction of 60,000 homes, and the displacement of 100,000 people, further exacerbated these vulnerabilities, particularly in remote rural areas. There, the earthquake destroyed crops and irrigation systems, damaged essential infrastructure, disrupted trade and value chains, and weakened the tourism sector, a key driver of the local economy.
Acted in Morocco
Acted in Morocco focuses its interventions on the protection and enhancement of territorial heritage -whether natural, tangible, or intangible – considering territorial identity as a key lever for mobilising local stakeholders to foster new dynamics and opportunities for social and economic development. The September 8th 2023 earthquake revealed the structural vulnerability of central Morocco and highlighted the limited resilience of rural populations to shocks, in the context of inequality, poverty, insufficient sustainable infrastructure and essential services, drought, and inflation. After two years dedicated to emergency response and reconstruction efforts, Acted seeks to contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable model of development in Morocco. This vision is structured around three strategic pillars:
1. Strengthening resilience through eco-responsible post-crisis reconstruction grounded in traditional
practices
2. Enhancing the employability of the youth and women in rural areas by developing innovative and green
economic opportunities
3. Supporting participatory territorial governance and multi-stakeholder engagement.
