AZIZ AKHANNOUCH

Aziz Akhannouch, born in 1961 in Tafraout and raised in Casablanca, hails from the Amazigh Aït Ammeln tribe. His early life was marked by family tragedy when the 1960 Agadir earthquake claimed ten family members, though his mother and sister survived after being trapped under rubble for hours. In 1986, Akhannouch graduated with a management degree from the Université de Sherbrooke in Canada.

As CEO of Akwa Group, a major Moroccan conglomerate in the oil and gas sector, Akhannouch played a significant role in Morocco's business landscape. Having inherited the business from his father, he built it into a powerhouse in Morocco, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $1.4 billion in 2013. By 2020, his wealth had grown, placing him among Africa’s wealthiest with a net worth around $2 billion.

Akhannouch's political career has been equally impactful. He initially served as president of the Souss-Massa-Drâa regional council from 2003 to 2007. His rise continued with his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2007, a role he held until 2021. Under his leadership, the Green Morocco Plan was introduced, an ambitious agricultural development strategy which earned international praise. In 2013, during a political reshuffle, he also temporarily held the position of Minister of Finance. Later, he resumed his role in the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and was elected as its president in 2016.

Akhannouch’s political influence peaked in 2021 when his party, RNI, won a majority in the general election, leading to his appointment as Prime Minister by King Mohammed VI. He then established a coalition government and has represented Morocco in numerous international engagements, including the United Nations and bilateral meetings to strengthen Morocco’s global relations.

Despite these successes, Akhannouch’s career has seen controversies, particularly regarding business ethics. His role in fuel price liberalization led to scrutiny of profits in his company and calls for restitution. His leadership during rising fuel and food costs has also sparked criticism, as citizens voiced concerns about inflation's impact on everyday life. The 2018 Moroccan boycott targeted his company Afriquia, accusing it of overcharging. Although Akhannouch dismissed the campaign as politically motivated, it drew significant attention.

As Prime Minister, Akhannouch has faced both support and resistance. Campaigns like #Degage_Akhannouch emerged online, calling for his resignation over escalating fuel prices. The 2023 Marrakesh earthquake response also tested his leadership, as citizens criticized the government’s perceived inaction. However, Akhannouch has committed to infrastructure rebuilding, aiming to address the crisis and provide relief to affected families.

In his personal life, Akhannouch is married to Salwa Idrissi, a prominent businesswoman, and their partnership underscores a strong presence in Morocco’s business and political arenas.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aziz_Akhannouch