Latest news with #Benjelloun
Ya Biladi
14-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Three Moroccan family firms ranked in Forbes' Top 100 Arab Businesses
Three Moroccan family businesses have secured spots on Forbes Middle East's 2025 list of the Top 100 Arab Family Businesses. Leading the Moroccan entries is O Capital Group, headed by billionaire financier Othman Benjelloun. Ranked 23rd, the group emerged in 2021 following the merger of FinanceCom and Holding Benjelloun Mezian. O Capital Group now holds a 7.16% stake in Bank of Africa and oversees the development of the Mohammed VI Tower through its subsidiary, O Tower. As of April 2025, the Benjelloun family's net worth was estimated at $1.6 billion. The second Moroccan family business on the list is Holmarcom Group, led by Mohamed Hassan Bensalah, which ranks 80th. Founded nearly six decades ago, the group operates in finance, agro-industry, logistics, and real estate. It holds majority shares in AtlantaSanad Assurance and Crédit du Maroc. Coming in at 84th is Diana Holding, chaired by Rita Maria Zniber. Established in 1956 by her late husband, Brahim Zniber, the group has grown into a major agro-industrial player, managing over 8,300 hectares of farmland and employing around 7,200 people. Overall, the list is dominated by companies from the GCC region.
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Forbes: Three Moroccan Family Businesses Among Most Powerful in Arab World
Rabat – Forbes Middle East's latest ranking has featured three major Moroccan family businesses among the top 100 most powerful Arab family companies in 2025. In its newly released ' Top 100 Arab Family Businesses 2025 ' list, Forbes Middle East spotlighted the leading family-run companies in the Arab world. Representing Morocco in this pool of prestigious family-run businesses O Capital Group, Holmarcom, and Diana Holding. O Capital Group is the highest-ranked Moroccan company on the list; it comes in 23rd place. Created in 2021 after FinanceCom merged into Holding Benjelloun Mezian, the group is led by Othman Benjelloun, one of Morocco's most well-known businessmen. O Capital operates in several sectors, including finance, insurance, and investments, both in Morocco and abroad. Forbes Middle East noted that, as of the end of April 2025, Benjelloun and his family had a fortune estimated at $1.6 billion. Next is Holmarcom Group, led by Mohamed Hassan Bensalah; it ranked 80th region-wide. Founded in 1978, the Moroccan group works in different important sectors such as finance, agro-industry, logistics, and real estate. It is one of the most influential family businesses in Morocco today. Diana Holding, led by Rita Maria Zniber, is the third Moroccan group on the list, coming in 84th place. The company was originally founded by her late husband, Brahim Zniber, in 1956. Read also: Morocco's Corporate Dominance: 14 Firms Rule North Africa's Top 20 Diana Holding focuses on agriculture and agro-industry and manages a wide range of activities, including poultry, beverages, seafood, plastic packaging, distribution, and retail. The group manages about 8,300 hectares of land, runs over 30 subsidiaries, and employs around 7,200 people, according to Forbes. The Top 100 list is mostly dominated by Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia leads with 33 family companies, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates with 32. The top three spots on the list go to Al Muhaidib Group (Saudi Arabia), Abdul Latif Jameel Group (Saudi Arabia), and Al-Futtaim Group (UAE). Family businesses in the region are 'far more than commercial enterprises,' Forbes noted. Instead, it concluded, they are 'pillars of society, deeply interwoven with the region's cultural fabric and historical legacy.' Tags: businessesForbesMorocco
Morocco World
01-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Benjelloun, Sefrioui, Akhannouch Among 2025 Forbes World's Billionaires
Doha – What started as an exclusive club of 140 billionaires in Forbes' first list in 1987 has exploded into a $16.1 trillion powerhouse of global wealth in 2025. The latest Forbes World's Billionaires list has shattered all previous records, counting 3,028 billionaires – an addition of 247 members from last year and nearly $2 trillion in new wealth. The list, compiled using stock prices and exchange rates from March 7, showcases the unprecedented expansion of global wealth across industries and continents. Morocco's representation on the list is led by Othman Benjelloun, CEO of BMCE Bank of Africa, with a net worth of $1.6 billion. Benjelloun, who ranks 2110 globally and 14 in Africa, has built his fortune through banking and insurance. His business empire includes a significant stake in the Moroccan arm of French telecom firm Orange through his holding company FinanceCom. The 92-year-old banker is also known for his ambitious $500 million Mohammed VI Tower project in Rabat, set to be one of Africa's tallest buildings. Benjelloun's influence extends beyond banking – he co-owns Ranch Adarouch, one of Africa's largest cattle breeders, and received the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award in 2016 for his educational initiatives in rural Morocco. He holds a diploma from Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne. Anas Sefrioui makes a notable comeback to the ranking for the first time since 2017, matching Benjelloun with a net worth of $1.6 billion. The 67-year-old founder and CEO of Groupe Addoha, sharing the same position as Benjelloun, also ranked 2110 globally and 14 in Africa, has accumulated his wealth through government-contracted low-cost housing developments. His success in developing affordable housing projects across Morocco has established him as a key figure in the country's real estate sector. His success is further amplified by his daughter Kenza's role as deputy chairman, solidifying the family's influential footprint at the helm of the company. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch rounds out the Moroccan contingent with a fortune of $1.5 billion, placing him at 2233 globally and 16 in Africa. The 64-year-old majority owner of Akwa Group, a conglomerate founded by his father and Ahmed Wakrim in 1932, maintains diverse interests in petroleum, gas, and chemicals through publicly-traded companies Afriquia Gaz and Maghreb Oxygene. Akhannouch, who holds an MBA from Universite de Sherbrooke, was appointed prime minister of Morocco in September 2021. His business influence extends through his family, with his wife Salwa Idrissi running her own company that holds franchises for international luxury brands including Gap, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren in Morocco. The African continent reached a new threshold, with its billionaire count reaching 22 and their combined wealth exceeding $100 billion for the first time, totaling $105 billion – up from $82.4 billion in 2024. With three figures on the list, Morocco holds the third spot in Africa for billionaire count, behind South Africa with seven and Nigeria with four. Nigeria's Aliko Dangote leads the African rankings for the 14th consecutive year with $23.9 billion, followed by South African Johann Rupert at $14 billion. Globally, the United States continues to dominate with 902 billionaires, followed by China with 516 (including Hong Kong) and India with 205. The world's wealthiest individual remains Elon Musk with an estimated net worth of $342 billion, followed by Mark Zuckerberg at $216 billion and Jeff Bezos at $215 billion. The continued presence of Moroccan business leaders on this prestigious list reflects the country's role in Africa's economic landscape, amid market volatility and political uncertainties. Read also: Moroccan Businesswomen Claim Strong Positions in Forbes MENA Rankings Tags: Anas SefriouiAziz Akhannouchforbes listOthman Benjelloun
Morocco World
20-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Adil Benjelloun – A Global Moroccan Success Story
Rabat – In the world of international agribusiness, few executives embody the fusion of cultural heritage and global expertise quite like Adil Benjelloun. As the current Vice President of MEFSCO, a strategic joint venture between American agricultural giant Cargill and Saudi Arabia's leading sweetener producer Arasco, Benjelloun walks into a room and brings two worlds with him. The warm cultural richness of Morocco on the one hand, and the dynamic international perspective that comes from his globe-spanning career on the other. Early foundations: Morocco to Montreal Born into a family originally from Fez, Benjelloun grew up in Casablanca's vibrant Maarif neighborhood during the 1990s. 'Casablanca was a mix of tradition and modernity,' Benjelloun reflects, 'the perfect backdrop to soak up rich Moroccan culture while being part of a city that was always changing and reinventing itself.' Benjelloun's academic foundation was influenced by his maternal grandfather, Abdelaziz Aiouch, one of Morocco's first mathematicians who served as Director of Higher Education after the country achieved independence from being a French protectorate. 'He was a pioneer in shaping Morocco's academic landscape,' Benjelloun proudly talks of his grandfather's 'influence that played a major role in my pursuit of knowledge and excellence.' At age 11, Benjelloun's family made the pivotal decision to relocate to Montreal, Canada. This cultural shift proved transformative. 'Imagine trading warm, sunny beaches for cold, snowy winters,' he says. 'I was trying to figure out how to play football in snow, make friends in a completely different environment, and adjust to a whole new culture.' This early immersion in diversity equipped Benjelloun with strong personality traits of resilience and adaptability. 'Montreal was where I truly discovered the power of embracing diversity and the beauty of cross-cultural connections,' Benjelloun recalls. Building a global career: from Canada to the Middle East Benjelloun's professional journey reflects his international outlook. After studying Strategic Management and International Business at McGill University, he broadened his perspective at TEC de Monterrey in Mexico. This educational background, combined with his experiences living across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, has given him a sharply global perspective. His career began in the Canadian public sector in Newfoundland, where he gained valuable insights into governance and regulation. 'That experience taught me the importance of understanding policy frameworks and how they impact business operations,' Benjelloun explains. However, his deep connection to Morocco soon drew him back to his home country, where he joined the Tanger Free Zone (TMSA). 'Working with TMSA allowed me to contribute directly to Morocco's economic development,' he says. 'I saw firsthand how strategic investment zones could transform regional economies and create opportunities for international business partnerships.' This experience provided crucial insights into the importance of trade hubs and their role in economic development, something that would prove invaluable in Benjelloun's later career. Finding a calling in the agro-industrial sector The next chapter in Benjelloun's career marked his entry into the agro-industrial sector, where he would find his true professional calling. He joined Döhler, a leading global company specializing in natural food ingredients, where he spent nearly eight years. 'At Döhler, I was responsible for developing markets in the Gulf region across multiple segments — dairy, bakery, confectionery, and more,' Benjelloun explains. 'We were introducing innovative ingredient solutions to an emerging market, which required a deep understanding of both technical product capabilities and regional consumer preferences.' Under his leadership, Döhler achieved remarkable growth in the region. 'I'm particularly proud of the 10% year-on-year growth we maintained during my tenure,' he says. 'This wasn't just about sales figures — it represented successful market penetration and building lasting relationships with key industry players.' That extensive experience in the Gulf region provided Benjelloun with comprehensive knowledge of the food ingredients market, regional business practices, and the specific challenges of operating in the Middle East — expertise that would prove crucial in his future roles. MEFSCO: leading a strategic joint venture Today, as Vice President at MEFSCO, Benjelloun leads a strategic joint venture between two industry giants: Cargill, America's largest private company and global leader in agricultural products and food ingredients, and Arasco, Saudi Arabia's leading producer of sweeteners. 'MEFSCO represents a powerful combination of global expertise and regional knowledge,' Benjelloun explains. 'We're at the forefront of providing high-quality, sustainable food ingredients to clients across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.' His role involves overseeing the company's regional strategy, with a particular focus on Sales & Marketing. 'I lead a diverse team focused on developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients,' he details. 'We're not just selling ingredients — we're creating partnerships that drive industry transformation.' The joint venture structure presents unique leadership challenges. 'When you're working within a joint venture between two major corporations, you need to balance different corporate cultures, strategic priorities, and operational approaches,' Benjelloun explains. 'My experience working across diverse cultures and business environments has been invaluable in navigating these complexities.' A global perspective with Moroccan roots Adil Benjelloun embodies the modern global executive — internationally experienced yet deeply connected to his cultural roots. His journey from the streets of Casablanca to leadership positions in multinational corporations demonstrates the power of embracing diversity while maintaining a strong sense of identity. He continues to leverage his unique perspective as Vice President at MEFSCO, driving innovation and growth in the agro-industrial sector. Bridging different cultures and approaches, Benjelloun not only advances his company's objectives but also serves as a model for the next generation of global leaders. 'Whether I stay in Dubai, return to Morocco, or work elsewhere,' Benjelloun concludes, 'my ambition remains the same — to make a meaningful impact on the world while staying true to the values that shaped me.' Tags: Adil BenjellounGlobal Moroccan success storySuccess story
