Morocco's Rising Influence in Family-Owned Enterprises
In a significant showcase of economic prowess, five prominent Moroccan family business groups have secured their spots in Forbes Middle East’s prestigious list of the 100 largest family-owned businesses in the Middle East and North Africa for the year 2026. This recognition not only underscores the growing influence of Morocco's leading family-controlled conglomerates but also highlights the resilience and strength of family businesses across the Arab world. Notably, companies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries dominated the rankings, contributing a staggering 86 entries to the list, with 32 from Saudi Arabia, 31 from the United Arab Emirates, and 10 from Qatar.
Morocco's representation is marked by five major groups that operate across diverse sectors, encompassing finance, real estate, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. This multifaceted presence illustrates the dynamic nature of Moroccan enterprises and their ability to thrive in various industries.
Key Players in the Moroccan Business Landscape
Leading the Moroccan contingent is O Capital Group, which has impressively secured the 21st position regionally. Under the stewardship of Othman Benjelloun, O Capital Group was established in 2021 following the restructuring of FinanceCom under Benjelloun Mezian Holding. The group boasts a diverse portfolio that spans financial services, agribusiness, telecommunications, transport, real estate, and media. Earlier this year, O Capital Group garnered international acclaim with the inauguration of the Mohammed VI Tower, a striking 250-meter skyscraper that has swiftly become an iconic landmark in Morocco. As per Forbes, the wealth of Benjelloun and his family was estimated at approximately $1.7 billion as of May 2026.
In 75th place is Holmarcom, a group that has been led by Mohamed Hassan Bensalah since 1993. Established in 1978, Holmarcom operates across finance, agribusiness, logistics, and real estate, while also maintaining a significant foothold in West African markets such as Senegal, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire. The company’s ambitious expansion strategy received a significant boost with the acquisition of an 18.6% stake in Holmarcom Finance by the International Finance Corporation in 2025. Furthermore, in April 2026, a subsidiary of Holmarcom signed a pivotal agreement to acquire BNP Paribas’ 67% stake in the BMCI.
Another noteworthy mention is Addoha Group, ranked 83rd and founded by Anas Sefrioui. This real estate developer has successfully expanded its operations beyond Moroccan borders into five African countries. According to Forbes, Addoha Group had over 26,000 housing units under construction in 2025, with approximately 30% located in West Africa. Sefrioui, who holds 64.8% of the company, is estimated to possess a fortune of around $1.3 billion.
Diana Holding, chaired by Ghita Maria Zniber, secured the 84th position in the rankings. Founded in 1956 by the late Ibrahim Zniber, the company has diversified its interests across agriculture, poultry production, beverages, seafood, plastic packaging, distribution, and retail. Diana Holding manages approximately 8,300 hectares of agricultural land through a network of more than 30 subsidiaries and eight business divisions, employing around 7,200 individuals.
Lastly, YNNA Holding rounded out Morocco’s presence in the rankings with an 85th place finish. Established in 1948 by the late Miloud Chaabi and currently overseen by Mamma Tajmouati, this group has a multifaceted portfolio that includes hospitality, industry, construction, retail, food production, and real estate. YNNA Holding is known for several well-established Moroccan brands such as Salama Markets, Super Cérame, Chaabi Housing, GPC, and SNEP. In 2025, YNNA Holding forged a partnership with AMEA Power to develop a 100-megawatt wind power project in Laayoune, with operations projected to commence in 2027.
The inclusion of these five Moroccan business groups in Forbes’ ranking not only underscores the enduring significance of family-owned enterprises in Morocco’s economy but also reflects their expanding role in regional business networks. As these groups continue to grow and invest across Africa, their impact on both local and regional economies is expected to increase significantly.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
