Rabat - Four Moroccans were included on Jeune Afrique’s list of the fourteen most influential businessmen, politicians, and senior civil servants who made a mark on the African continent in 2014.
Morocco’s Abdelslam Ahizoun, the head of Maroc Telecome, tops the Moroccan personalities on the list, ranking third overall after Nigeria’s Tony Elumelu and Algerian tycoon Issad Rebrab, who was landed first.
Abdelslam Ahizoun has led Maroc Telecome to resist changes from its shareholders. His address book, its results, and his tactical skill have allowed the company to expand its sphere of influence further in Africa.
The second Moroccan on the list is Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment, and the Digital Economy Moulay Hafid Elalamy, who ranks eighth overall.
He heads Saham Group, which operates CNIA Saada, one of Morocco's biggest insurance companies.
Rita Maria Zniber is the only Moroccan woman on the list. She ranked tenth overall.
Named Chief Executive Officer of the Moroccan agro-industrial group Diana Holding in April, Rita Maria Zniber has since become main shareholder of the French group Belvedere Spirits, producer of the famous liqueur Marie Brizard.
Last but not least of the Moroccan personalities on the list is Abdelilah Benkirane, the Head of Government and Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD). He ranked eleventh on the list.
According to Jeune Afrique, Benkirane has had the courage to reset the oil subsidy system. “An unpopular reform, but necessary, which allowed the state to alleviate the half compensation charges,” Jeune Afrique concluded.