Fouzi Lekjaa named Morocco's economy minister in cabinet reshuffle

Fouzi Lekjaa, the prominent head of Morocco’s football federation and former budget minister, has been appointed as the nation's new Minister of Economy and Finance. His appointment is a cornerstone of the new government formed by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who was tasked with leading the cabinet after her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured victory in the parliamentary elections held on September 23. This leadership change signals a strategic focus on leveraging Lekjaa’s dual experience in fiscal management and international sporting administration.

While the economic portfolio has changed hands, the new administration has prioritised continuity in key security and diplomatic roles, leaving the ministers of foreign affairs and the interior unchanged. However, other strategic shifts were made across the cabinet to address pressing domestic needs. Notable new appointments include Nabil Benabdallah as Minister of Education and Khalid Hatimi as Minister of Agriculture. These appointments suggest a broad effort by the El Mansouri administration to revitalise essential sectors that have faced public scrutiny in recent years.

The primary mandate for Lekjaa and the broader cabinet will be the execution of a massive $20 billion infrastructure and development project linked to the 2030 FIFA World Cup. As Morocco prepares to co-host the global tournament with Spain and Portugal, the government is expected to use the project as a catalyst for broader economic growth. Beyond the World Cup preparations, the new ministers face significant pressure to address persistent national issues, specifically the need for improved employment opportunities and substantial reforms within the education system to meet the demands of a modern workforce.