Moroccan banker recognized among Forbes sustainability leaders

Moroccan business leader Mohamed El Kettani, CEO of Attijariwafa Bank, has been named among Forbes Middle East’s “Sustainability Leaders 2025,” a list highlighting 126 executives shaping the transition to greener economies across the region.

Ranked 11th in the banking sector, El Kettani earned recognition for spearheading initiatives that integrate sustainability into financial operations. Notably, Attijariwafa Bank launched the African Energy Efficiency Fund (FAEE) in September 2024, the first Moroccan investment vehicle dedicated to energy efficiency projects, developed in partnership with Econoler.

Forbes also cited the bank’s measurable progress in reducing carbon emissions. By mid-2025, Attijariwafa had cut CO₂ emissions from scopes 1 and 2 by 6 percent in Morocco, and by 33 percent between 2018 and 2024 across its operations. These achievements position the institution as a regional leader in green finance.

The sustainability list spans 15 industries, from banking and telecommunications to healthcare and construction, and includes CEOs, chairpersons, and sustainability officers. It underscores how MENA’s corporate leaders are aligning their strategies with global climate goals while fostering economic resilience.

The United Arab Emirates dominated the 2025 ranking with 67 personalities, followed by Saudi Arabia with 23 and Egypt with 12. Morocco’s presence, though limited, signals growing recognition of the country’s financial sector as a driver of sustainable development. El Kettani’s inclusion not only highlights Attijariwafa Bank’s pioneering role but also reflects Morocco’s broader ambition to position itself as a hub for responsible investment in Africa and beyond.