Noureddine Bensouda, a career in the service of the Moroccan state

Friday 06 February 2026 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

Noureddine Bensouda, a career in the service of the Moroccan state

For more than three decades, his name has been closely associated with the management of Morocco’s public finances. Discreet yet omnipresent within the inner workings of the administration, Noureddine Bensouda has shaped a significant part of the Kingdom’s fiscal and budgetary policies. A trained jurist and career civil servant, he has held two of the most sensitive positions within the Ministry of Finance: Director General of Taxes and Treasurer General of the Kingdom. A rare trajectory that placed him at the heart of Morocco’s major economic reforms.

An outstanding academic background

Born in 1963 in Rabat, Noureddine Bensouda grew up in an environment that valued education and public service. At an early age, he joined the prestigious Royal College, an institution known for training future administrative and political elites of the country.

After obtaining a law degree in 1983, he pursued advanced studies in legal sciences. His interest in fiscal and financial matters led him to deepen his research, earning a PhD from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, followed by a State Doctorate in Morocco. This dual academic background, both national and international, provided him with solid expertise that quickly attracted the attention of public decision-makers.

Early years at the ministry of finance

In the late 1980s, Noureddine Bensouda joined the Moroccan administration, entering the Ministry of Finance where he initially held technical positions before gradually rising through the ranks.

His expertise in tax law and administrative management led to his appointment as studies officer and later as chief of staff within the ministry. This period marked the beginning of a steady ascent within the state apparatus, distinguished by a methodical approach, strong discipline, and full command of complex files.

Leading the directorate general of taxes

The year 1999 marked a decisive turning point in his career. In February, he was appointed Director General of Taxes, a position he would hold for more than ten years — an exceptional tenure for such a strategic and exposed role.

Under his leadership, the Moroccan tax administration underwent progressive modernization. Digitalization of procedures, improved tax collection, and simplification of processes for taxpayers were among the major reforms launched. Bensouda emerged as one of the key architects of the professionalization of the tax system.

During this period, he also represented Morocco in several international bodies dedicated to tax cooperation and the fight against fraud, earning recognition beyond national borders.

2010: appointment as treasurer general of the kingdom

On April 26, 2010, a new major chapter opened when His Majesty King Mohammed VI appointed Noureddine Bensouda as Treasurer General of the Kingdom. He thus took charge of a strategic institution responsible for managing public expenditures, paying civil servants’ salaries, collecting certain revenues, and overseeing the State’s treasury.

In this role, he became one of the main guarantors of the country’s financial balance. His mission went beyond accounting, encompassing procedural modernization, the introduction of digital tools, and enhanced coordination among financial administrations.

Under his mandate, the Treasury strengthened its role as a modern public service, expanding electronic payments, dematerializing administrative procedures, and improving relations with local authorities.

A central figure in public reforms

For more than a decade, Noureddine Bensouda supported major structural reforms, including local finance reform, enhanced control of public spending, and modernization of budget management systems.

In his rare public appearances, he consistently emphasized the need for rigorous governance, transparency, and optimal use of public resources. His low-profile style favored technical work and administrative continuity over media exposure.

Professionals in the field describe him as a methodical technocrat, discreet yet remarkably effective in implementing public policies.

National and international recognition

Over the years, his work earned him several honorary distinctions. In 2024, France awarded him the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his contribution to international financial cooperation.

This distinction confirmed the influence he had gained within global networks specializing in public finance management.

2026: the end of a long cycle

Today, after more than fifteen years at the helm of the Treasury General of the Kingdom, Noureddine Bensouda officially steps down. His departure comes amid the implementation of major reforms, including the new local taxation law that entered into force in 2025.

The interim leadership has been entrusted to Abdellatif Amrani, pending the appointment of a permanent successor. This transition marks the end of a long period during which Bensouda stood as one of the pillars of Morocco’s financial architecture.

A lasting legacy

With over thirty years of service to the State, including nearly a quarter-century in top-level positions, Noureddine Bensouda leaves behind a profoundly transformed administration.

His career illustrates the decisive role played by senior civil servants in the stability and modernization of public institutions. A man of substance rather than speeches, he embodied a demanding, rigorous, and discreet vision of public service.

As Morocco continues its economic and budgetary reforms, the imprint left by Noureddine Bensouda will long continue to shape the management of the country’s public finances.

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