The prestigious Forbes Middle East magazine has unveiled its 2025 ranking of the 100 most influential businesswomen and the 20 most powerful government employees in the MENA region (Middle East & North Africa). This highly anticipated list celebrates women who are shaping industries like finance, technology, healthcare, and retail. Among them, four remarkable Moroccan women stand out for their leadership and impact in their respective fields.
Three Moroccan businesswomen among the region’s elite
These trailblazing women lead major conglomerates, drive innovation, and redefine industries. This year, three Moroccans have secured their places in Forbes Middle East’s ranking of the most influential businesswomen.
Miriem Bensalah Chaqroun – Ranked 21st
A powerhouse of the Moroccan economy, Miriem Bensalah Chaqroun is a business leader with international influence. As Vice-Chairwoman and Managing Director of Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès, she continues to shape the corporate landscape. Her leadership extends beyond Morocco, as she serves on the Board of Directors of Renault Group, the International Advisory Board of IE University in Madrid, and the Board of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. Recognizing her expertise, the UN Secretary-General appointed her to the Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD) Alliance, further cementing her status as a key global figure.
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch – Ranked 23rd
As the founder and president of Aksal Group, Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch has revolutionized Morocco’s retail and luxury industry. Since launching AKSAL Holding in 2004, she has transformed the shopping experience in the country, most notably with the Morocco Mall, one of Africa’s largest shopping centers. Her company holds exclusive franchise rights for numerous global brands, driving Morocco’s retail, e-commerce, and luxury sectors to new heights. With a relentless expansion strategy, she continues to gain recognition across the region.
Lamia Tazi – Ranked 33rd
Lamia Tazi, CEO of Sothema, has played a crucial role in strengthening Morocco’s pharmaceutical industry. After joining the company in 1997, she took over its leadership in 2019 and has since overseen remarkable growth. In 2024, Sothema recorded an impressive revenue of $203.7 million. The company also expanded its infrastructure by investing $20 million in a cutting-edge logistics facility, reinforcing its role as a key player in the regional healthcare market.
Nezha Hayat: The sole Moroccan among MENA’s top 20 government leaders
For the first time, Forbes Middle East introduced a ranking dedicated to the 20 most influential government employees in the MENA region. This new category, which excludes ministers and parliamentarians, highlights women holding strategic positions in diplomacy, technology, media, and finance.
Among these distinguished leaders, Nezha Hayat is the only Moroccan to be recognized, securing the 13th position. As the President of the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC), she plays a pivotal role in regulating Morocco’s financial markets. In addition to this, she serves as the Chair of the Africa & Middle East Committee at IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions) and is a co-founder of the Moroccan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (AFEM). Her dedication to women’s empowerment and financial regulation underscores her influential status.
