The academic and political communities in Morocco are mourning the loss of Abd al-Alim Benaamor, a prominent economist who passed away on September 24, 2026. Benaamor had a distinguished career, combining university research with political work. He was a key figure in Morocco's economic landscape, serving as the first president of the Competition Council, appointed by King Mohammed VI in 2008. His work focused on promoting economic governance, combating monopolies, and defending the independence of the council.
Benaamor's academic background was impressive, with a Ph.D. from the Sorbonne University in Paris. He was one of the first Moroccans to obtain a high-level university degree in economics. Throughout his career, he balanced his academic pursuits with political involvement, including membership in the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and a parliamentary candidacy in 1977. He also co-founded the newspaper "Al-Ahdath Al-Maghribia" and contributed to various media outlets.
In addition to his academic and political work, Benaamor was a pioneer in Morocco's private education sector. He founded the Higher School of Management (HEM) in the late 1980s, one of the first private management schools aimed at producing economic and managerial elites to support Morocco's economic openness and privatization efforts. He also managed the Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration (ISCAE) during a significant period in its history.
Benaamor's appointment as president of the Competition Council in 2008 marked a significant milestone in his career. He utilized this position to promote economic governance, combat monopolies and rent-seeking, and defend the council's independence. He worked to expand the council's legal powers to protect the entrepreneurial fabric and ensure a transparent economic environment.
Benaamor's legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He remained engaged in public discourse through his involvement with the "Badil" association, which he founded to promote modernity, democratic values, and a culture of dialogue. His contributions to Morocco's economic and intellectual landscape have left a lasting impact.
The news of Benaamor's passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from his peers and colleagues. He is remembered as a trailblazer in his field, who bridged the gap between academia, politics, and entrepreneurship. His commitment to promoting economic development and good governance has inspired a generation of Moroccan economists and policymakers.
As Morocco continues to navigate its economic challenges, Benaamor's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting competition, transparency, and good governance. His contributions to the country's economic development will be remembered for years to come, and his passing leaves a void in the academic and intellectual communities.
Key points
- Abd al-Alim Benaamor, a renowned Moroccan economist, passed away on September 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy in economics and competition law.
- Benaamor served as the first president of the Competition Council, appointed by King Mohammed VI in 2008.
- He was a pioneer in Morocco's private education sector, founding the Higher School of Management (HEM) and managing the Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration (ISCAE).
