Aziz Akhannouch was born on December 31, 1961, in Casablanca, Morocco. He was raised in Tafraout, a city in southern Morocco. His father was a successful businessman who ran Akwa Group, a company that dealt mainly in oil and gas. Growing up, Akhannouch learned the ins and outs of the business world from his father, setting the stage for his future career.
After completing his primary and secondary education in Morocco, Akhannouch moved to Canada to further his studies. He attended the Université de Sherbrooke, where he earned a diploma in management in 1986. Armed with his education, Akhannouch returned to Morocco and joined the National Rally of Independents, a political party in the country.
Akhannouch's political career began to take off when he was appointed as Minister of Agriculture in 2007. He served in this role for more than a decade, implementing policies to boost Morocco's agricultural sector. In 2021, Akhannouch made history when he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Morocco, becoming the head of government.
Despite his rise to power, Akhannouch and his party have faced numerous controversies. They have been accused of election fraud, vote buying, and suppressing the press and their opponents. This has led to widespread criticism and calls for boycotts against his businesses and campaigns. The #Degage_Akhannouch movement has emerged as a challenge to his power.
Akhannouch is married to Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch, and they have three children together. His mother and sister were survivors of the devastating Agadir earthquake, which claimed the lives of ten other members of his family. Despite personal tragedy, Akhannouch has remained determined to lead his country and make a difference.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Akhannouch donated a significant amount of money to support his country's efforts in managing the crisis. His donation of $103.5 million to the COVID-19 Pandemic management fund helped provide much-needed resources and support to those affected by the virus. This act of generosity further solidified his reputation as a philanthropic leader.
Akhannouch's legacy is one of resilience, determination, and philanthropy. From his humble beginnings in Morocco to his rise to the highest office in the country, he has proven to be a formidable leader and a force for change. Despite facing criticism and controversy, Akhannouch remains committed to serving his country and making a positive impact on society.
As Aziz Akhannouch continues to navigate the complexities of politics and business, his legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on Morocco and the wider world.
Related links