Omar Kabbaj facts for kids

Omar Kabbaj is a very important advisor to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. He has held this role since June 22, 2006. Before that, he was the President of the African Development Bank for ten years, from 1995 to 2005.

Mr. Kabbaj also worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These are big organizations that help countries with their money and development. He was also a minister in Morocco, helping with economic matters. He earned a master's degree in management from Toulouse Business School. He is also honored as a Knight of the Order of the Throne of Morocco.

Omar Kabbaj's Early Life and Education

Omar Kabbaj was born on August 15, 1942, in Rabat, Morocco. He studied at the Toulouse Business School and finished his studies in 1963. This education helped him prepare for his long and successful career.

Omar Kabbaj's Career Journey

Mr. Kabbaj started his career in July 1963. He worked at a place called the Bureau de Recherches et de Participation Minières (BRPM). There, he was in charge of selling minerals.

Working in Banking and Industry

In 1966, he joined the National Bank for Economic Development (BNDE). He first worked in the credit control department. Later, he became the Director of the financial department at this bank.

In 1970, King Hassan II appointed him as the General Director of the National Sugar Factory of Tadla (SUNAT). He oversaw the building of this factory and helped it start its operations. At the same time, he also worked with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Merchant Marine.

In 1974, King Hassan II gave him another important role. Omar Kabbaj became the general director of the National Sugarcane Factory of Sebou (SUNACAS). This was the first sugarcane factory in Morocco. He also continued his work at the Ministry of Commerce.

International Roles and Government Service

In 1977, he became the chief of staff for the Minister of Finance. He held this position until 1979. Then, he joined the World Bank Group. He represented several countries on its board of directors, including Morocco.

In 1980, he moved to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He also served on its board of directors, representing Morocco and other nations.

In 1993, he was appointed as a Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister of Morocco. In this role, he was in charge of economic affairs, planning, and statistics. He also organized the 1994 general population census for Morocco.

Leading the African Development Bank

In 1995, King Hassan II suggested Omar Kabbaj for a big job. He was elected President of the African Development Bank (ADB). This bank helps African countries develop. Mr. Kabbaj helped the bank recover from a difficult time and made many important changes.

In 2000, King Mohammed VI supported his re-election. He was chosen again by everyone to lead the African Development Bank group.

In 2005, after his second term ended, he was honored. The bank's board of governors elected him as the Honorary President of the AFDB.

Advisor to the King

On June 22, 2006, Omar Kabbaj was appointed as an Advisor to His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This is a very important position in the Royal Cabinet.

He is also a member of an advisory board for the United Nations Secretary-General. This board focuses on water and sanitation issues. He is also on the Board of Directors of the French Development Agency (AFD).

Honors and Recognition

Omar Kabbaj is a Knight of the Order of the Throne of Morocco. This is a high honor in his home country. He has also received top honors from Tunisia and Burkina Faso. The United States House of Representatives even congratulated him for his work at the African Development Bank.

External Links

• Profile @ the World Economic Forum