Rabat, October 19, 2026 – The Europe Today: Fouzi Lekjaa officially assumed his duties as Morocco’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Public Performance following a handover ceremony with his predecessor, Nadia Fettah, at the ministry’s headquarters on Saturday.
King Mohammed VI appointed Lekjaa to lead the ministry on October 16, entrusting him with overseeing the country’s economic and financial policies at a time when Morocco is preparing to implement its 2027 Finance Bill and advance major structural reforms.
During the handover ceremony, Fettah highlighted the ministry’s important role in supporting major national development projects and expressed appreciation to its directors and staff for their continued dedication to institutional responsibilities and public service.
Speaking to Moroccan media after the ceremony, Fettah congratulated Lekjaa on his appointment, praising his professional experience and qualifications. She noted that he had worked within the Ministry of Finance for more than three decades and had been her colleague for five years.
Fettah expressed confidence in the ministry’s ability to address Morocco’s forthcoming economic and social challenges, emphasising that its central and regional offices possessed the expertise required to fulfil the country’s development ambitions.
She also highlighted the expectations of Moroccan families and young people, stressing the importance of ensuring balanced development across all regions of the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Fettah described her cooperation with Lekjaa as being founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to serving the public interest. She wished him success in his new responsibilities.
In his remarks, Lekjaa expressed gratitude for the royal confidence placed in him and underscored the importance of maintaining the ministry’s core values, strengthening institutional cohesion and mobilising its workforce to address Morocco’s economic and financial challenges.
He identified maintaining macroeconomic stability, safeguarding public finances and advancing major reforms as key priorities for the ministry. Lekjaa also paid tribute to Fettah for her contributions to Morocco’s economic and financial policies during her tenure.
The ceremony was attended by the ministry’s directors-general and directors, as well as representatives of public institutions, establishments and companies.
Lekjaa’s appointment comes as Morocco prepares to implement its 2027 Finance Bill, which sets out the government’s economic priorities, public expenditure plans and fiscal objectives for the coming year.
King Mohammed VI approved the bill during a ministerial council meeting in Rabat on Saturday. Its priorities include restoring household purchasing power, increasing direct social assistance, expanding healthcare coverage and strengthening access to housing support.
The bill also seeks to improve public education and expand opportunities for young people through education, vocational training, employment and access to financing.
In addition, it allocates MAD 25 billion (approximately US$2.56 billion) to a new generation of integrated territorial development programmes for 2027–2031. The initiative aims to reduce regional disparities and improve living conditions across the country.
Lekjaa’s appointment places him at the centre of Morocco’s efforts to maintain economic stability, strengthen public finances and implement development programmes aimed at promoting inclusive growth and improving citizens’ living standards.
