Abdelali Benamour, a renowned Moroccan economist and founder of the management school HEM, passed away on Thursday in Casablanca at the age of 85. Born on September 10, 1941, Benamour earned a licence in economics from Fez and Rabat in 1964. He then pursued further studies in Paris, completing a DES at Paris-Panthéon in 1966 and a doctorate in economics at Paris-Sorbonne in 1968.
Benamour had a distinguished academic career, teaching as a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat and Hassan II University in Casablanca from 1966 to 2001. He also co-founded the ISCAE and served as its first director from 1971 to 1976, establishing strategic partnerships with institutions like HEC Paris. His commitment to education led him to found HEM in 1988, which grew into one of Morocco's main management schools, attracting students from across the country and beyond.
Benamour's involvement extended into politics and public service. He served as a USFP deputy for Casablanca from 1976 to 1981 and was a member of the city's communal councils in Mâarif and Aïn Chock from 1976 to 1992. Although he later distanced himself from partisan life, his dedication to public service continued through his role as president of the Competition Council from 2008 to 2018. During his tenure, he advocated for expanded powers, leading to the adoption of Law 20-13 in 2014.
In addition to his academic and public service roles, Benamour was a prolific writer, publishing several works on economics and education. His publications include "Intermédiation financière et développement économique du Maroc" (1968), "La comptabilité nationale marocaine" (1971), "Le Maroc Interpellé" (1993), and "Repenser l'École" (2007). He also served on various boards, including Bank Al-Maghrib and the Advisory Council on Human Rights.
Benamour's legacy is also reflected in the institutions he helped establish. The association Alternatives, a think tank focused on economic, educational, and societal questions, was founded by him in 1995. He presided over it until 2002 and remained its founding president thereafter. Furthermore, his family remains involved in his educational endeavors, as his daughter Yasmine took over HEM after his passing.
Throughout his life, Benamour was known for his engaging teaching style, often dedicating the first part of his lectures to student questions and discussions on current affairs. His commitment to education and public service earned him recognition and respect across Morocco. As a father of four, his contributions to the country's economic and educational landscape will be remembered for years to come.
The Moroccan community has lost a prominent figure, but Benamour's impact on education and economics will continue to inspire future generations. His tireless efforts to improve Morocco's institutions and promote economic development have left a lasting legacy. Key points include:
Key points
- Benamour founded HEM in 1988, which became a leading management school in Morocco.
- He served as president of the Competition Council from 2008 to 2018, advocating for expanded powers.
- Benamour published several works on economics and education, contributing to the country's intellectual landscape.
