Aziz Akhannouch

Introduction: A Dual Pillar of Moroccan Influence

Aziz Akhannouch stands as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Morocco, uniquely embodying the convergence of high-stakes Business & Economics and decisive Politics & Government. As the long-serving CEO of Akwa Group, one of North Africa's largest conglomerates, and as the Prime Minister of Morocco since 2021, Akhannouch's career is a testament to significant impact across the private and public sectors. His leadership roles place him at the heart of Morocco's economic development and political modernization. Appointed by King Mohammed VI following his party's victory in the 2021 legislative elections, Aziz Akhannouch now steers the nation's government while presiding over a vast business empire with deep roots in the Oil & Gas, petrochemical, and diversified industrial sectors. This dual identity makes his biography a crucial study of power, governance, and enterprise in the modern Arab world.

Early Life & Education: Foundations in the South

Aziz Akhannouch was born in 1961 in Tafraout, a town in the Sous region of southern Morocco. This area is historically significant as the heartland of the Amazigh (Berber) community, and Akhannouch's Amazigh heritage remains a noted part of his identity. He was born into a family with established business acumen; his father was a successful businessman and landowner, providing young Aziz with early exposure to commerce and management. This formative environment in the south of Morocco instilled in him a strong connection to the country's diverse regions and economic realities.

For his education, Akhannouch attended the prestigious Mohammed V University in Rabat, where he earned a bachelor's degree in management. Demonstrating an early drive for excellence, he then pursued higher studies abroad. He obtained a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (DESS) in business administration from the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada. This international education equipped him with modern managerial techniques and a global perspective, which he would later apply to both his corporate and political careers. His academic background in management sciences provided the perfect foundation for his future role steering a complex conglomerate and, eventually, the machinery of government.

Career & Major Achievements: From Corporate Titan to National Leader

Building the Akwa Group Empire

Aziz Akhannouch's professional ascent is inextricably linked to the growth of Akwa Group. He joined the family business in the 1980s and became its President and CEO in the 1990s. Under his leadership, Akwa Group transformed from a significant national player into a multinational conglomerate. His strategic vision focused on diversification and partnerships. A landmark achievement was securing, in 1999, a long-term exclusive contract to distribute and market petroleum products for Morocco through Afriquia Gaz, the group's flagship subsidiary in the Oil & Gas sector. This move cemented Akwa's dominance in the national energy market.

He aggressively expanded the group's portfolio, which now includes:

• Afriquia Gaz: A leader in fuel distribution and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
• Maghreb Oxygène: A major industrial and medical gas producer.
• Butagaz: Operating in the bottled gas sector.
• Significant investments in tourism, real estate, automotive distribution (via Stellantis partnership), and media (including a stake in the popular 2M TV network).

Political Ascent to Prime Minister

Parallel to his business career, Aziz Akhannouch cultivated a path in Politics & Government. His political life began in 2003 when he was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests by King Mohammed VI. He held this demanding portfolio for nearly 15 years, a remarkably long tenure that speaks to his effectiveness. As minister, he launched the ambitious "Green Morocco Plan" (Plan Maroc Vert) in 2008, a multi-billion-dollar strategy to modernize agriculture, boost productivity, and support smallholder farmers. The plan is widely regarded as a major success, transforming a vital sector of the Moroccan economy.

In 2016, he assumed the presidency of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), a centrist royalist party. Leveraging his managerial reputation and resources, he revitalized the party. In the September 2021 legislative elections, the RNI won a plurality of seats (102 out of 395), a victory attributed largely to Akhannouch's leadership. King Mohammed VI subsequently appointed him Prime Minister of Morocco on October 7, 2021. As Prime Minister, he heads the Executive Cabinet and has prioritized economic recovery post-pandemic, social protection reform, and attracting foreign investment, while navigating complex issues like inflation and drought.

Personal Life & Legacy: Philanthropy and a Lasting Imprint

Beyond the boardroom and the government palace, Aziz Akhannouch maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married to Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch, a highly successful businesswoman and founder of the Aksal Group, a major operator in Moroccan retail and malls. This power couple is unique in the Maghreb, representing unparalleled combined influence in Moroccan commerce. Together, they are known for their significant philanthropic activities, primarily through the Akhannouch Foundation. Their philanthropy focuses on:

• Healthcare initiatives, including medical equipment donations and hospital support.
• Educational programs and scholarships, particularly for students from his native southern region.
• Social and community development projects.

The legacy of Aziz Akhannouch is still being written. In business, he is credited with building a Moroccan conglomerate that competes internationally. In politics, his legacy is tied to the agricultural revolution of the Green Morocco Plan and his current tenure as Prime Minister, where he aims to implement a new development model for the kingdom. He represents a new generation of Moroccan leaders: technocratic, business-savvy, and tasked with addressing the socio-economic demands of a young population. His ability to navigate the expectations of both the monarchy and the electorate will define his historical impact.

Net Worth & Business Empire

The business success of Aziz Akhannouch has translated into substantial personal wealth, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Africa. While exact figures are private, Forbes and other financial publications have consistently estimated his net worth to be in the range of $2 billion. This wealth is primarily derived from his controlling stake in the privately-held Akwa Group, a conglomerate with reported annual revenues exceeding $3 billion. The group's crown jewel, Afriquia Gaz, holds a dominant market share in Morocco's downstream Oil & Gas sector. His vast business interests, spanning energy, chemicals, tourism, and media, underscore his status as a titan of Moroccan industry. It is important to note that upon assuming the role of Prime Minister of Morocco, Akhannouch publicly committed to placing his business holdings in a blind trust to avoid conflicts of interest, a move highlighting the complex intersection of his two worlds.