Rabat, October 16, 2026 — Morocco’s new government formally took shape on Friday as King Mohammed VI chaired a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Rabat for the appointment of its members. Led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who was appointed Head of Government on September 29, the new administration brings together ministers responsible for the country’s key policy areas. The newly appointed government members were sworn in before the King, marking the formal beginning of the new cabinet’s work.
The newly appointed ministers were sworn in before the King, who later posed for an official photograph with the cabinet. The ceremony was attended by the King’s Chamberlain, Sidi Mohammed El Alaoui.
Following the ceremony, El Mansouri pledged to develop an ambitious government program aligned with the High Royal Guidelines outlined in the Throne Speech and the speech opening Parliament.
Key Appointments in Morocco’s New Government
Morocco’s new cabinet brings together officials responsible for domestic security, foreign affairs, public finances, education, healthcare, economic development and digital transformation.
The principal appointments announced on October 16 include:
- Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri — Head of Government
- Abdelouafi Laftit — Minister of the Interior
- Nasser Bourita — Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates
- Abdellatif Ouahbi — Minister of Justice
- Ahmed Toufiq — Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs
- Fouzi Lekjaa — Minister of Economy and Finance and Public Performance
- Nizar Baraka — Minister of Equipment, Water and Forests
- Nabil Benabdallah — Minister of National Education, Preschool, Professional Training and Qualification
- Youns Bjijou — Minister of Health and Social Protection
- Khalid Hatimy — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty
- Ryad Mezzour — Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment and Economic Inclusion
- Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid — Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports
- Azzeddine El Midaoui — Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation
- Abdessamad Kayouh — Minister of Transport and Logistics
- Charafat Afailal — Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development
- Abderrahim Chahid — Minister of Employment and Social Dialogue
- Samir Belfkih — Minister of Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing and City Policy, and Government Spokesperson
- Ahmed Rahhou — Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Administration Reform
- Jalal Charaf — Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social Economy
- Najwa Koukouss — Minister of Family, Social Development and Equality
The cabinet also includes delegated ministers responsible for specific areas, including national defense administration, relations with Parliament, foreign trade, fisheries, vocational training, housing, youth, social inclusion, administrative reform, and handicrafts.
Source: Official Moroccan government announcement, October 16, 2026.
Economic Development and Digital Reform in Focus
Morocco’s new government faces major challenges involving economic growth, employment, public services and social protection. Its policies will help shape opportunities for households, businesses and communities across the country.
The appointment of Ahmed Rahhou to lead the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Administration Reform places digital modernization among the government’s stated priorities. The ministry will oversee efforts in areas that could affect how citizens access public services and how government institutions use technology.
Other cabinet portfolios cover education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, transport and employment. These sectors directly affect the daily lives of Moroccan citizens, particularly families concerned about purchasing power, access to essential services and job opportunities.
The impact of the new administration will depend on the policies it adopts, the resources allocated to them and how effectively those policies are implemented.
Government Program to Be Presented to Parliament
One of the next important steps for Morocco’s new administration will be presenting its government program to both chambers of Parliament. The program is expected to outline the government’s priorities, proposed policies and approach to addressing the country’s major challenges.
Moroccan citizens will be watching closely for measures that address employment, the cost of living, access to healthcare and education, housing affordability and economic opportunities across the country’s regions.
The appointment ceremony on October 16 marked a formal milestone for the new cabinet. The next test will be turning its announced priorities into policies and measurable results that improve the lives of citizens.
As the government prepares its program, Parliament will play an important role in examining its priorities and holding the administration accountable for its commitments.
Source: Official communiqué on the royal appointment ceremony and statements attributed to Head of Government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, October 16, 2026.
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