
Mohamed Benchaaboun appointed new chairman of Maroc Telecom
Maroc Telecom's Supervisory Board has appointed Mohamed Benchaaboun as the new Chairman of the Management Board, replacing Abdeslam Ahizoune, who has held the position for nearly three decades. Benchaaboun will serve a two-year term, effective March 1, 2025, until March 1, 2027.
The appointment marks a significant leadership shift for the telecom giant, with Benchaaboun expected to play a key role in shaping the group's strategic direction, according to a press release from Maroc Telecom.
The board expressed its appreciation for Ahizoune's leadership, highlighting his contributions to the company's growth and its expansion across Africa. Over his 27-year tenure, Ahizoune played a crucial role in strengthening Maroc Telecom's position in the sector, the release stated.
Alongside Benchaaboun's appointment, the board also renewed the terms of Management Board members Brahim Boudaoud, Hassan Rachad, François Vitte, and Abdelkader Maamar for an additional two years, extending their mandates until 2027.
Benchaaboun is a Moroccan banker, politician, and diplomat with a distinguished career spanning finance, governance, and diplomacy.
He began his career at Alcatel-Alsthom before holding key public-sector roles, including Director of the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration and head of Morocco's National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency.
From 2008 to 2018, he served as President and CEO of Banque Centrale Populaire before being appointed Morocco's Minister of Economy, Finance, and Administration Reform (2018–2021). In 2022, he was named Morocco's Ambassador to France, and a year later, he was appointed Director General of the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, overseeing strategic investments in Morocco's economy.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Morocco World
CNDH Elevates Children's Voices as Central in Government Legislation
Rabat – The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) in Rabat has brought together children from across Morocco for a two‑day national consultation on June 13 and 14 to strengthen child rights. The event marked the culmination of a year‑long journey of 12 regional consultations held between February 2023 and February 2024. Supported by UNICEF Morocco, the initiative aims to firmly embed the principle of children's participation into Moroccan laws and administrative procedures. CNDH President Amina Bouayach opened the session alongside children's representatives from each region. 'We are holding the national consultation today as a culmination of the regional consultations that we have conducted over the past year in the 12 regions of Morocco,' she told Morocco World News in an interview on the sidelines. CNDH two-day consultation in Rabat These consultations had two main objectives, Bouayach said. 'The first was to engage and discuss with children about implementing and establishing the principle of participation in the legal texts and administrative procedures in Morocco,' she explained. The second objective was to work with these children on identifying the major issues related to their rights, guarantees, and programs, in order to present their report next September. Over the two days, children will lead all discussion sessions, with a focus on how to apply the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in national policy and how to prepare their own parallel report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. In September, two elected child delegates from this consultation will travel to Geneva to present Morocco's children's perspectives directly to the committee. CNDH two-day consultation in Rabat 'Participation is key,' said Laura Bill, UNICEF Representative in Morocco, on the sidelines of the event. 'Most of the work of UNICEF around the world, and including in Morocco, is to ensure that children's participation is part of any government initiative,' she told MWN. Bill noted that the children's views will be included in the government's annual report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. Laura Bill, UNICEF Representative in Morocco Bouayach described the initiative as a pioneering effort recognized both in Africa and around the world. She added that this national consultation not only gathers children's voices on legal and social issues, but also empowers them through practical workshops. Among these is an interactive drawing workshop on digital spaces and safe internet use. The event will close with the launch of a 'Children's Call,' a statement reflecting their vision and top priorities for rights and protections. CNDH and UNICEF will sign a partnership during the closing session to reinforce their joint commitment to 'Listen. Act. Participate.' CNDH President Amina Bouayach Tags: childrenCNDHconsultation


Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Maroc Telecom's Strategic Pivot: Mohamed Benchaaboun Takes the Helm in a New Digital Era
Rabat — Morocco's central telecom giant is at a turning point, ever since Mohamed Benchaaboun was appointed as Chairman of the Management Board of Maroc Telecom on March 1, 2025. This move transcended a mere change in leadership. It represents a monumental shift for one of Africa's largest telecom operators, amid mounting competitive pressure, regulatory scrutiny, and the pressing need for digital modernization. Benchaaboun stepped in at a moment when Maroc Telecom was undergoing a deep transformation, one that extends far beyond Morocco's borders. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaching, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, the pressure to scale infrastructure, improve connectivity, and fast-track 5G deployment is no longer abstract. It's national, regional, and urgent. A technocrat with a global compass Benchaaboun is no stranger to complexity. With a background that traverses telecommunications, banking, and economic policy, he brings an unusually broad toolkit to the telecoms sector. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris, Benchaaboun began his career at Alcatel-Alsthom before moving into public service. He started first as Director of Customs and Indirect Tax Administration, then as head of Morocco's telecom regulator, ANRT, from 2003 to 2008. He later helmed Banque Centrale Populaire during a decade of regional expansion, served as Minister of Economy and Finance from 2018 to 2021, and held diplomatic office as Morocco's Ambassador to France. His most recent role, managing the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, cemented his place as one of Morocco's key figures in strategic economic planning. At Maroc Telecom, this seasoned technocrat brings a balance of regulatory acumen, fiscal discipline, and geopolitical awareness, traits increasingly essential for a sector at the crossroads of global digital transition and national development imperatives. Reckoning, realignment Maroc Telecom's new chapter began under pressure. In 2024, the company was fined MAD 6.3 billion ($640 million) for anti-competitive practices, a sum exceeding its annual net profit. The ruling prompted a reckoning inside the company, with internal audits, executive reshuffles, and the drafting of new governance structures aligned with international standards. A shareholder vote scheduled for June 2025 is expected to ratify sweeping changes in transparency, oversight, and performance culture. Benchaaboun's leadership is seen as instrumental in navigating this shift. Known for his discretion and long-term vision, he is tasked not only with repairing reputational damage but with repositioning Maroc Telecom for the digital age. From rivalry to strategic alliance One of the most significant moves under his watch came swiftly. In March 2025, Maroc Telecom signed a historic cooperation deal with its longtime competitor, Inwi. Just months earlier, the two had been locked in litigation. Now, they are collaborators, sharing infrastructure, coordinating on 5G rollout, and aligning on innovation priorities. This unexpected alliance signals a broader shift toward market maturity in Morocco's telecoms sector. For consumers and enterprises, the potential gains are substantial: better connectivity, faster deployment of next-generation networks, and reduced redundancy in national infrastructure spending. April brought another strategic leap: a new partnership with Vodafone Business aimed at strengthening cloud services, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions across Morocco and the broader region. These moves, backed by Benchaaboun's diplomatic finesse and institutional credibility, form part of Maroc Telecom's larger ambition to play a regional leadership role in Africa's digital transformation. The World Cup test, the 5G race The countdown to the 2030 FIFA World Cup looms large over every telecom executive in Morocco. For Benchaaboun, it's both a deadline and a litmus test. Hosting one of the world's largest sporting events requires seamless digital infrastructure, robust mobile connectivity, and secure data environments — especially as spectators, broadcasters, and governments increasingly rely on real-time digital services. This means that 5G is not just a buzzword; it is a national priority. Yet, despite pilot programs and early commercial offerings, widespread 5G deployment remains uneven across Morocco. The challenge is not just technological, but economic and political: it requires managing spectrum allocation, negotiating vendor relationships, safeguarding against cyber risks, and ensuring equitable access. Morocco seeks to extend 5G coverage to 25% of its population by the end of 2025, with a target of reaching 70% by 2030, according to the ANRT. The rollout will prioritize major cities and strategic economic areas, including industrial zones, technology parks, and innovation hubs. Universities, research institutions, and high-tech sectors such as automotive and aeronautics are expected to be early beneficiaries of the new network. This large-scale initiative comes as part of a landmark collaboration between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, which in March established two joint ventures to support the effort. FiberCo plans to deploy one million fiber optic connections within two years and expand to three million within five. TowerCo, the second venture, is set to build 2,000 telecom towers by 2028 and 6,000 by 2033. The overall investment, projected at MAD 4.4 billion ($440 million), seeks to enhance efficiency and accelerate nationwide access through shared infrastructure. Meanwhile, Orange Morocco is pursuing a parallel approach, weighing a combination of independent development and selective partnerships. Benchaaboun's deep knowledge of public finance and regulatory systems may prove decisive here. His role in deploying cloud-based public services and digital ID systems during his time as finance minister underscores his understanding of how telecom infrastructure can be leveraged for broader socioeconomic development. Balancing legacy, innovation Maroc Telecom remains a legacy institution, with operations in 11 African countries and deep roots in Morocco's state-led development model. But, in an era defined by startups, cloud-native platforms, and AI-powered services, the pressure to modernize is accelerating. With private capital increasingly demanding performance and regulators tightening controls, the margin for error is shrinking. Benchaaboun is expected to strike a balance between legacy stewardship and forward-looking innovation. His ability to navigate both boardroom politics and international capital markets positions him uniquely to lead the telecom giant into its next phase. The stakes are high. From rebuilding trust after regulatory fines, to transforming Morocco into a 5G-enabled World Cup host, to expanding Maroc Telecom's footprint across Africa's emerging digital economies, the challenges are vast and interconnected. Yet, amid these stakes also comes a vast horizon of opportunity. With Mohamed Benchaaboun at the helm, Maroc Telecom is betting on technocratic leadership to deliver strategic realignment — not just for shareholder value, but for the future of Morocco's digital infrastructure and its place on the global stage. Tags: FIFA World Cup 2030Maroc TelecomMohamed BenchaabounMorocco 5g


Morocco World
5 hours ago
- Morocco World
Two Moroccan Banks Make 2025 Forbes Global 2000 List
Doha – Two Moroccan banking giants, Attijariwafa Bank and Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP), have secured positions in the prestigious Forbes Global 2000 ranking of the world's largest publicly traded companies for 2025. Attijariwafa Bank, led by CEO Mohamed El Kettani, ranks 979th globally with impressive financial metrics. The bank reported $4.84 billion in revenue, $956 million in profits, $71.7 billion in assets, and a market capitalization of $14.44 billion. Founded in 1911 and headquartered in Casablanca, Attijariwafa Bank employs over 20,583 people. The bank provides international commercial banking services through various business areas, including domestic banking, Europe and offshore; specialized financial subsidiaries; international retail banking; and insurance and property. BCP, under the leadership of Naziha Belkeziz, placed 1,812th in the global ranking. The bank posted revenues of $3.3 billion, profits of $416 million, assets valued at $53.5 billion, and a market capitalization of $5.97 billion. Established in 1926 with headquarters also in Casablanca, BCP operates as a commercial bank focusing on banking intermediation and management services. The institution employs 2,717 people and was formally incorporated on February 2, 1961. The Forbes Global 2000 list, now in its 23rd edition, evaluates companies based on four equally weighted criteria: revenue, profits, assets, and market value. Africa's representation in the ranking remains limited, with only 17 companies making the cut. South Africa dominates the continental presence with 14 companies, followed by Morocco with two and Egypt with one. Attijariwafa Bank and BCP rank 6th and 16th, respectively, among African entries. The global ranking continues to be topped by American companies, with JPMorgan Chase maintaining its top position for the third consecutive year. The US has 612 companies on the list, while China follows with 317. The top 10 global companies include JPMorgan (USA), Berkshire Hathaway (USA), ICBC (China), Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia), Amazon (USA), Bank of America (USA), China Construction Bank (China), Agricultural Bank of China (China), Alphabet (USA), and Microsoft (USA). Collectively, the 2,000 companies in this year's ranking represent $52.9 trillion in annual revenue, $4.9 trillion in profits, $242.2 trillion in assets, and a combined market capitalization of $91.3 trillion. Banking remains the most represented industry in the ranking with 328 institutions. The sector's strong presence is partly attributed to banks' naturally high asset values, with 88 of the top 100 companies by assets being financial institutions. Read also: Morocco's Corporate Dominance: 14 Firms Rule North Africa's Top 20 Tags: Attijariwafa Bank GroupBanque Centrale Populaire (BCP)Forbes