Rabat – Abdellatif Loudiyi will continue overseeing Morocco’s National Defence Administration under the newly formed government of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, extending a ministerial tenure that began nearly 16 years ago.
King Mohammed VI retained Loudiyi as Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in Charge of the National Defence Administration on Friday.
Unlike many members of the new cabinet, Loudiyi has held the same portfolio under successive governments, having first taken office in December 2010.
His responsibilities occupy a distinct place within Morocco’s government structure, where the King exercises constitutional authority over the Royal Armed Forces.
From public finance to national defence
Before entering government as minister delegate, Loudiyi built his career within Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, where he occupied several senior administrative positions.
He served as Director of the Treasury and External Finance between 1998 and 2003, a period during which the department pursued policies aimed at improving the management of public debt.
His responsibilities included overseeing aspects of the government’s debt management strategy, which involved refinancing operations and measures intended to reduce the burden of public borrowing.
On December 2, 2010, King Mohammed VI appointed Loudiyi Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in Charge of the National Defence Administration, succeeding Abderrahmane Sbaï.
Loudiyi subsequently retained the position under the governments of Abdelilah Benkirane, Saadeddine El Othmani, and Aziz Akhannouch.
His continuation under El Mansouri extends his service in one of Morocco’s longstanding government portfolios.
A distinct role within Morocco’s government
Loudiyi’s position differs from that of a conventional defence minister because Morocco does not operate a standalone Ministry of Defence with military command responsibilities.
Under Article 53 of the Moroccan Constitution, King Mohammed VI is the Supreme Commander of the Royal Armed Forces and holds the authority to make military appointments.
The National Defence Administration, meanwhile, handles administrative, financial, and budgetary matters related to the country’s defence establishment.
Defence spending and industrial development
Loudiyi’s tenure has coincided with increased investment in Morocco’s military capabilities, domestic defence industry and cybersecurity.
In November 2025, he presented a proposed MAD 73 billion defence budget for 2026, approximately MAD 3.3 billion more than the previous year. The budget included allocations for personnel, military equipment, operating expenses, and investment.
At the Marrakech Airshow on October 7, Loudiyi discussed efforts to develop Morocco’s domestic defence industry through industrial investment and international partnerships.
More recently, on October 12, Loudiyi addressed Morocco’s National Cybersecurity Week in Rabat, where he emphasized the importance of protecting information systems and strengthening preparedness against digital threats.
