Abdelali Benamour, a prominent Moroccan economist, academic, and former president of the Competition Council, passed away on September 24 at the age of 85. Born on September 10, 1941, Benamour was part of a generation of economists trained in Europe after Morocco's independence. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the Sorbonne in 1968 and went on to teach at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat and the University of Hassan II in Casablanca.
Benamour's name is closely associated with the Higher Education Institution (HEM) he founded in 1988, which introduced a private management education model to Morocco. The institution expanded to several cities across the country and was accompanied by a research center that gave birth to the Economia review, a publication that aimed to establish a francophone academic debate on economy and society. This initiative marked a significant contribution to Morocco's educational landscape.
Throughout his career, Benamour held various positions, including deputy of Casablanca under the banner of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces from 1976 to 1981. He later sat on the council of Bank Al-Maghrib and the Consultative Council for Human Rights. In 2008, he was appointed president of the Competition Council, an institution that existed but lacked enforcement powers. Benamour advocated for the transformation of the Council into an authority with investigative and sanctioning powers.
Benamour's efforts led to the Constitutional reform of 2011 and laws adopted in 2014, which ultimately granted the Competition Council the powers he sought. He served in this role until November 2018, when he passed the baton to Driss Guerraoui. During his tenure, the institution faced challenges, including a period without a college, rendering it unable to make decisions.
Benamour's legacy extends beyond his academic and professional achievements. He played a significant role in shaping Morocco's economic regulation landscape, particularly in the areas of competition, market control, and price formation. His work continues to influence discussions on economic issues, including the distribution of fuel and agricultural markets.
The debate on economic regulation and competition continues to occupy a significant place in Morocco's economic discussion. Benamour's contributions to this field have been substantial, and his passing leaves a void in the academic and professional community. His commitment to establishing a robust and effective competition framework has had a lasting impact on the country's economic development.
As Morocco continues to navigate complex economic issues, the legacy of Abdelali Benamour serves as a reminder of the importance of effective regulation and competition in promoting economic growth and stability. His work with the Competition Council and HEM has left a lasting impact on the country's economic landscape, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- Abdelali Benamour, a renowned Moroccan economist, passed away at 85, leaving behind a legacy in education and economic regulation.
- Benamour founded HEM, a private management education institution, and advocated for the transformation of the Competition Council into an authority with enforcement powers.
- His work continues to influence discussions on economic issues in Morocco, including competition, market control, and price formation.
