Wafira Project Overview
The Wafira project commenced its initial phase this year and has now expanded its reach to six countries: Morocco, Spain, France, Portugal, Mauritania, and Cape Verde. A significant development in this initiative is the agreement signed between Spain and Morocco, aimed at facilitating the swift incorporation and hiring of Moroccan workers by Spanish companies facing labor shortages. This agreement specifically targets sectors such as agriculture and road transport, and it falls under the framework of the GECCO 2026 Order, which aims to propel the second phase of the Wafira project (meaning 'abundance' in Arabic) designed for recruiting foreign workers in Spain and France.
Future Prospects and Success Stories
The second phase of the Wafira project is set to run from 2026 to 2028 and is supported by the European Union. This phase has been extended to include the same six countries, with expectations that approximately 3,000 workers will join the labor markets of Spain and France. According to information from the government, this initiative will also bolster institutional capacities in Morocco. Workers selected for this program undergo a rigorous selection process and receive training in labor rights, cultural adaptation, and reintegration planning. The first phase of Wafira, which took place from 2021 to 2025, successfully employed 250 Moroccan female seasonal workers, aiming to enhance their work experience and encourage them to return to their home country to establish businesses and embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
The data highlights the project’s success, having enabled 209 women to formalize their businesses, with over 50% of these enterprises dedicated to agriculture, while the remainder focuses on commerce and services. Remarkably, 100% of participants express a desire to continue engaging in circular migration, even after starting their own businesses. The Ministry of Inclusion provides compelling examples on its website, such as Aziza Zbirat, a 56-year-old mother of three who has participated in seven harvesting campaigns in Spain. With the income earned and support from Wafira, she purchased land and built a solar-powered greenhouse. This venture has not only provided her with economic stability but has also established her as a sustainability role model in her community.
Another inspiring story is that of Fatima Laanieg, a mother of two who always dreamed of owning her own grocery store. Thanks to the training and funding from Wafira, she transformed a space in her home into a bakery and pastry business. Now, she manages her income independently and has earned the respect of her community as a successful entrepreneur.
As reported by as.com.
