NEWS
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Makes History as Morocco’s First Female Prime Minister
Morocco has entered a new chapter in its political history as 50-year-old Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri emerged as the country’s first female Head of Government, breaking a long-standing barrier and ushering in a new era of leadership in the North African nation.
King Mohammed VI officially appointed El Mansouri as Prime Minister on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, following the victory of her liberal-centrist Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) in the parliamentary elections held on September 23.
Her emergence marks a historic milestone for Morocco, where no woman had previously occupied the nation’s highest executive office. The development has attracted widespread attention both within Africa and across the international community, with many describing it as a significant step in advancing women’s participation in political leadership.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party secured 97 out of the 395 seats in parliament, making it the largest party in the election and paving the way for El Mansouri’s appointment. Although the victory was decisive, the party did not achieve an outright majority, meaning the new Prime Minister faces the important task of building alliances and negotiating a governing coalition to ensure political stability.
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri brings extensive experience in governance and public service to the office. A trained lawyer and seasoned politician, she previously served as Mayor of Marrakesh, where she earned recognition for her administrative leadership and urban development initiatives. She also held the position of Minister of National Planning, Housing and Urban Policy, playing a key role in shaping policies related to infrastructure, housing, and national development.
Her appointment is widely seen as a defining moment in Morocco’s democratic evolution and a powerful symbol of expanding opportunities for women in leadership across Africa and the Arab world.
As coalition talks begin, attention will now turn to El Mansouri’s ability to unite political forces, form an effective government, and drive policies aimed at economic growth, social progress, and national development.
The historic rise of Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri not only reshapes Morocco’s political landscape but also stands as an inspiration to millions of women and young leaders across the continent, proving that barriers can be broken and new paths created through vision, experience, and public service.