Samir Belfkih appointed Morocco's housing and urban planning minister

Samir Belfkih was appointed Morocco's Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urban Development, Housing and City Policy, as well as government spokesperson, on Friday, as part of the new government led by Fatima Zahra El Mansouri. He took the oath of office before King Mohammed VI on Friday, alongside other members of the newly appointed government.

Belfkih brings an academic and political background to the new role, with experience in higher education and public affairs. Before his appointment, he served as director of the National School of Arts and Crafts (ENSAM) in Rabat, a position he obtained in December 2022 following a government council meeting.

A professor of higher education, Belfkih has also been associated with Morocco's Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives during the 2011-2016 legislative term, combining university administration with political experience that provides a foundation for his new responsibilities in a government whose agenda includes territorial equity and improved living conditions.

The ministry oversees national territorial planning, urban development, housing policy and city policy. Its responsibilities place it at the centre of efforts to improve urban planning, address housing needs and promote more balanced development, and they intersect with broader efforts to reduce territorial inequalities and improve living conditions in cities and smaller communities.

Belfkih takes office as Morocco faces persistent challenges related to affordable housing, urban expansion and regional disparities in access to public services. One of the key challenges facing the new minister will be to ensure that urban development keeps pace with population growth and infrastructure needs while improving access to adequate housing.

In addition to his ministerial portfolio, Belfkih will serve as government spokesperson, a role that places him at the forefront of official communication about government decisions and policies. His appointment comes after the September 23 legislative elections, which led to the formation of a four-party governing majority comprising PAM, the Istiqlal Party, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) and the Party of Progress and Socialism. As the new government prepares its program, Belfkih will face the task of advancing housing and urban development policies while helping communicate the administration's broader reform priorities.