Home lists 100 Most Powerful Arabs 2023 Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch Founder and CEO, Aksal Group Origin: Morocco Residence: Morocco Sector: Retail/Real Estate When luxury brand Bottega Veneta opens its first store in Morocco later this year, it will be another feather in the Aksal group’s cap. Steered by sagacious Akhannouch, Aksal has brought luxury fashion to Morocco as the sole franchisee for brands like Emporio Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Oysho, Ralph Lauren, Zara, Banana Republic, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Bershka and Gap since 2004. Under Akhannouch’s able guidance, Aksal has more than 30 business affiliates, 45 brands, a foundation, an academy, and several malls with over 34,000 square metres of retail surface. The group also has a 50 per cent stake in Morocco Mall, Africa’s second largest mall.