Chakib Alj is preparing to step down from the presidency of the Confédération Générale des Entreprises au Maroc (CGEM), marking the end of a six-year tenure that spanned two distinct eras of the Moroccan economy. First elected in January 2020 and reconducted in May 2023, Alj’s leadership was forged in the crucible of global volatility, navigating the immediate shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, the inflationary pressures of the Ukraine war, and the geopolitical instability of the Middle East.
While his first mandate was largely a rescue operation focused on business survival, his second term—defined by the motto “liberating energies for sustainable and inclusive growth”—shifted toward structural transformation. By the time he hands over the reins, Alj has transitioned the CGEM from a reactive body into a proactive architect of national policy, moving beyond high-level declarations to secure tangible legislative wins for the private sector.
The legacy Alj leaves behind is most visible in the empowerment of Morocco’s Very Small, Small, and Medium Enterprises (TPMEs), which comprise 95% of the CGEM’s membership. For decades, these businesses operated in the shadow of larger conglomerates, struggling with a “hidden bank” of inter-company credits totaling nearly 400 billion MAD. Alj’s tenure saw the implementation of Law 69-21, which introduced financial penalties for payment delays, with the proceeds redirected into a support fund specifically for TPMEs.
Legislative Shields and Market Access
Beyond payment deadlines, Alj pushed for a fundamental redesign of how the Moroccan state interacts with its local suppliers. Through aggressive advocacy, the CGEM secured a landmark 30% reservation of public markets for TPMEs. Perhaps more significant is the introduction of a “national preference” clause, allowing Moroccan firms to win contracts even if their bid is up to 15% more expensive than a foreign competitor.
This shift toward “economic patriotism” was further cemented with the launch of the “Made In Morocco” label in November 2025. Designed as a rigorous quality standard rather than a mere marketing slogan, the label aims to shift the perception of national products both domestically and internationally, providing a branded lever for industrial growth.
| Policy Area | Key Achievement | Direct Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Deadlines | Law 69-21 | Financial penalties for late payments; support fund for TPMEs. |
| Public Procurement | 30% Quota & 15% Preference | Guaranteed market share and price flexibility for local firms. |
| Corporate Tax (IS) | Convergence Reform | Target rates of ~20% for SMEs and 35% for large enterprises. |
| Labor Law | Organic Law on Strikes | Established legal framework for a 60-year regulatory void. |
Streamlining the State-Business Corridor
A recurring criticism of patronal organizations is their tendency to offer suggestions that vanish in administrative bureaucracy. Alj countered this by creating “operational corridors.” The most notable was the 2025 agreement with the Office des Changes, which established a direct channel to resolve foreign exchange regulatory hurdles in real-time, bypassing traditional administrative delays.
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This fluidity extended to the legislative process. The CGEM’s Tax and Customs Commission, supported by its parliamentary group, became a powerhouse of technical influence, submitting 48 amendments to the 2026 Finance Law alone. These efforts contributed to a more nuanced corporate tax structure and measures to support purchasing power through VAT reductions and IR scale reforms, recognizing that a healthier consumer base is essential for business growth.
The Social Contract and Human Capital
On the social front, Alj’s presidency will be remembered for closing a sixty-year gap in Moroccan labor law. The promulgation of the organic law on the right to strike provided a balanced framework that protects the workers’ right to protest while ensuring the continuity of essential economic activities. It replaced a vacuum of legal uncertainty with a set of clear, predictable rules.
However, Alj remained candid about the failures of the existing vocational training system, noting that while nearly all companies contribute to its funding, only 1% actually benefit from it. To address this, the CGEM initiated a tripartite reform with the government to overhaul governance and financing, while simultaneously launching the Morocco Innovation Lab to bridge the gap between researchers, startups, and established industry.
Digitalization and Global Diplomacy
Internally, the CGEM underwent a digital metamorphosis. The launch of “MyCGEM” on November 1, 2025, replaced paper-based bureaucracy with an integrated member portal for networking, payment management, and resource access. This modernization was mirrored in the organization’s governance; new statutes adopted in May 2025 introduced strict non-cumulation rules and opened board seats to young entrepreneurs under the age of 35.
Externally, Alj expanded Morocco’s economic diplomacy far beyond its traditional European partners. While consolidating ties with the MEDEF in France and the CEOE in Spain—particularly in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup—the CGEM executed over 25 economic missions to the Gulf, China, Japan, and Latin America. In Africa, the focus shifted toward high-impact partnerships in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Rwanda, positioning Moroccan firms as key players in the continent’s industrialization.
The push for a “green economy” also became a cornerstone of his final years. By integrating with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection and upgrading carbon footprint tools, Alj ensured the private sector was aligned with Morocco’s goal of reaching 52% renewable energy capacity.
As the transition begins, the focus now shifts to the incoming leadership. With Mehdi Tazi poised to take the torch, the business community expects a continuation of this “offensive” posture in national economic debates. The immediate checkpoint for the organization will be the official handover ceremony and the unveiling of the new leadership’s strategic roadmap for the 2026-2029 cycle.
We invite our readers to share their perspectives on the CGEM’s impact on the Moroccan business climate in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article discusses corporate tax reforms and legislative changes; it is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
