Mohamed El-kettani: Top Executive Behind Morocco's 78 Billion Lender

Under Mohamed El-Kettani, Attijariwafa Bank expanded to 27 countries with assets reaching 78.44 billion in 2024, up 10.2 year-on-year.

The bank has invested over 1 billion in sub-Saharan Africa, becoming a leading player in UEMOA and CEMAC regions.

A third of Attijariwafas net income now comes from international retail banking, highlighting its growing impact beyond Morocco.

Mohamed El-Kettani has played a defining role in shaping Moroccos modern banking sector. For nearly 20 years, he has led Attijariwafa Bank with a clear sense of purpose, turning it into a major financial force across Africa. With assets now exceeding 15 billion and operations in 27 countries, the bank has grown far beyond its Moroccan roots.

Since taking the helm as Chairman and CEO in 2007, El-Kettani has worked to strengthen the banks foundation while pushing for broader regional impact. Under his leadership, Attijariwafa has cemented its position as Moroccos largest private bank and one of the top five banks on the continent.

More than just numbers, his focus has been on building meaningful partnerships across Francophone Africa and encouraging greater economic cooperation among countries in the Global South.

El-Kettanis rise in Moroccos financial world reflects both deep expertise and strategic vision. After graduating from the highly regarded cole Nationale Suprieure de Techniques Avances ENSTA Paris, he began his banking career in 1984 at Banque Commerciale du Maroc BCM. His skill in project finance and corporate lending quickly put him on the radar for leadership roles.

He played a pivotal role in the 2004 merger of BCM with Wafabankan event that led to the birth of Attijariwafa Bank. In the years that followed, El-Kettani led its investment and corporate arms, before stepping into the CEO role in 2007. Since then, the bank has expanded boldly, acquiring 15 banks between 2005 and 2016 and steadily growing its presence in West and Central Africa.