Fez — King Mohamed VI appointed Khalid Hatimy Bounouni as Morocco’s new Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries and Food Sovereignty on Friday, October 16.
From the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), the appointment brings a former agribusiness executive into the new government.
The appointment came during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where the King received the new government headed by Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.
The newly appointed ministers took their oaths before the King and posed for a commemorative photograph alongside the monarch, marking the official formation of the new cabinet.
Hatimy, a senior figure in PAM, has emerged as a prominent name in Morocco’s latest government reshuffle, with his professional background drawing attention to his experience in agribusiness and agricultural policy.
Originally from Taroudant, Hatimy built his career in the private sector before entering national politics, combining business management experience with parliamentary responsibilities and involvement in agricultural development.
His name appeared on an unofficial cabinet list that Fes News Media published on October 16, identifying him for the proposed Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
From Taroudant to the business world
Hatimy completed his primary and secondary education in Taroudant before pursuing higher education abroad.
In a biographical account published following his 2021 electoral victory, PAM detailed his academic journey, noting that he studied in Europe and the United States and graduated from an American business school with a specialization in business administration.
He subsequently developed his professional experience through positions with Moroccan and international companies.
In March 2021, Moroccan news outlet Machahid.info reported that Hatimy served as director general of the Zniber Group, an agricultural business with activities across Morocco.
The group’s operations encompass agricultural production and related commercial activities, providing Hatimy with experience in a sector closely connected to Morocco’s economic development and international trade.
Entering Parliament through Taroudant
Hatimy entered national politics through PAM, securing a parliamentary seat in the Taroudant South constituency during the September 2021 legislative elections.
The House of Representatives’ official directory records his membership in the Finance and Economic Development Committee, where parliamentarians examine economic legislation, public finances, and development policies.
He also became a member of PAM’s political bureau, taking part in discussions concerning the party’s organizational priorities and regional development.
In May 2023, Hatimy visited the rural commune of Bounrar in Taroudant Province, where he met local representatives to discuss water infrastructure, education, transportation, and road development.
PAM documented the visit, highlighting discussions around a drinking-water project intended to serve more than 35 villages.
The visit also included a meeting with a women’s development association seeking to establish a cooperative producing argan oil and other regional products, with the aim of improving economic opportunities for approximately 60 women.
A longstanding interest in agricultural policy
Agriculture featured prominently in Hatimy’s political activities before his name emerged in connection with the ministry.
On April 30, 2025, he led a policy discussion at PAM’s headquarters in Rabat examining the performance of Morocco’s agricultural sector.
The party outlined the event in a May 1 article, explaining that Hatimy used economic indicators and statistical data to examine agricultural policy.
The discussion lasted more than three hours and brought together political bureau members, parliamentarians, and other party representatives.
Hatimy’s presentation examined the sector’s economic conditions, although the party indicated that the complexity of agricultural policy required further discussion.
His participation demonstrated an established interest in agricultural economics and public policy evaluation.
His parliamentary resignation
Hatimy’s parliamentary career ended in July 2026 when he resigned from the House of Representatives.
Morocco’s Constitutional Court confirmed his resignation through Decision No. 272/26, issued on July 16.
At the time, regional outlet Taroudant Presse reported that the resignations could precede appointments to the National Electricity Regulatory Authority.
The court’s decision established the resignations but did not identify any subsequent appointments.
Agriculture at a crossroads
Hatimy’s emergence in discussions about the agriculture ministry comes as Morocco faces continuing challenges involving water scarcity, climate pressures, food security, and rural economic development.
The country’s Green Generation 2020–2030 strategy seeks to modernize agricultural production, encourage entrepreneurship, and improve opportunities for rural communities.
Morocco’s Economic, Social and Environmental Council documented a 4.8% contraction in agricultural value added in 2024, illustrating the sector’s exposure to adverse weather conditions and declining rainfall.
Hatimy’s professional experience in agricultural business, parliamentary economic policy, and rural development provides relevant context for understanding his emergence as a potential cabinet figure.
His career reflects the intersection of private-sector management and public policy in a country where agriculture remains central to economic activity, employment, and the livelihoods of rural communities.
