Five Moroccan business groups have secured places in Forbes Middle East’s ranking of the 100 largest family-owned businesses in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026, highlighting the growing regional influence of Morocco’s leading family-controlled conglomerates.
The latest ranking underscores the continued strength of family businesses across the Arab world, with companies from Gulf Cooperation Council countries dominating the list. Businesses from the Gulf accounted for 86 of the 100 entries, including 32 from Saudi Arabia, 31 from the United Arab Emirates and 10 from Qatar.
Morocco was represented by five major groups operating across sectors ranging from finance and real estate to agriculture, manufacturing and retail.
Leading the Moroccan contingent was O Capital Group, which ranked 21st regionally. Chaired by Othman Benjelloun, the group was established in 2021 following the restructuring of FinanceCom under Benjelloun Mezian Holding. Its portfolio spans financial services, agribusiness, telecommunications, transport, real estate and media.
The group attracted international attention earlier this year with the official inauguration of Mohammed VI Tower, a 250-meter skyscraper that has become one of Morocco’s most recognizable landmarks. Forbes estimated the wealth of Benjelloun and his family at approximately $1.7 billion as of May 2026.
Ranked 75th was Holmarcom, led by Mohamed Hassan Bensalah since 1993. Founded in 1978, the group operates in finance, agribusiness, logistics and real estate, while maintaining a significant presence in West African markets including Senegal, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.
The company’s expansion strategy gained momentum after the acquisition of an 18.6% stake in Holmarcom Finance by the International Finance Corporation in 2025. In April 2026, a Holmarcom subsidiary signed an agreement to acquire BNP Paribas’ 67% stake in the BMCI.
Morocco’s third representative was Addoha Group, which ranked 83rd. Founded and led by Anas Sefrioui, the real estate developer has expanded beyond Morocco into five African countries.
According to Forbes, the group had more than 26,000 housing units under construction in 2025, with roughly 30% located in West Africa. Sefrioui, who owns 64.8% of the company, is estimated to have a fortune of approximately $1.3 billion.
Coming in 84th place was Diana Holding, chaired by Ghita Maria Zniber. Founded in 1956 by the late Ibrahim Zniber, the company has diversified interests spanning agriculture, poultry production, beverages, seafood, plastic packaging, distribution and retail.
The group manages approximately 8,300 hectares of agricultural land through more than 30 subsidiaries and eight business divisions, employing around 7,200 people.
Rounding out Morocco’s presence in the ranking was YNNA Holding, which placed 85th. Established in 1948 by the late Miloud Chaabi and currently managed by Mamma Tajmouati, the group operates across hospitality, industry, construction, retail, food production and real estate.
Its portfolio includes several well-known Moroccan brands, including Salama Markets, Super Cérame, Chaabi Housing, GPC and SNEP. In 2025, YNNA Holding signed a partnership with AMEA Power to develop a 100-megawatt wind power project in the city of Laayoune, with operations expected to begin in 2027.
The ranking highlights the enduring importance of family-owned enterprises in Morocco’s economy and their growing role in regional business networks, particularly as several groups continue to expand their investments across Africa.
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