Morocco’s Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan has been identified among a new generation of emerging Gen Z leaders, with his recent military appointment marking a decisive step in his preparation to eventually assume the throne and granting him near-exclusive access to intelligence reports, according to Bloomberg.
In a report published Monday, Bloomberg said that King Mohammed VI appointed his only son to a key coordinating role within the military establishment, a move it described as a gradual and calculated integration into security and defense decision-making circles.
According to the report, the appointment positions the crown prince as a coordinator within one of Africa’s most capable armed forces, giving him access to sensitive intelligence briefings and involving him in the daily monitoring of security threats.
Bloomberg added that the role will also see Moulay El Hassan contribute to overseeing the modernization of the armed forces, reflecting an expansion of his responsibilities beyond ceremonial duties into more strategic domains.
The development comes as the crown prince, currently studying international relations and geopolitics, has increased his public profile, taking on more prominent roles both domestically and internationally.
In this context, the report noted that he presided over the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations in December and recently inaugurated Morocco’s tallest tower, signaling his growing involvement in major national events.
In parallel, Bloomberg pointed out that King Mohammed VI, 62, has reduced his public appearances, amid frequent travel abroad and a period of “functional rest” earlier this year due to back pain.
The report places the Moroccan crown prince within a broader regional trend of younger leaders gaining visibility across the Middle East and Africa, in what is increasingly described as the rise of Generation Z in positions of influence.
This wave includes figures such as Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, as well as the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, whose growing political role has sparked domestic debate.
According to Bloomberg, these emerging figures belong to a demographic under the age of 30, at a time when Africa is the world’s youngest continent but is still led by some of its oldest leaders.
Among them is Paul Biya, who is over 90 years old, illustrating the generational contrast highlighted in the report.
The publication also recalled that Morocco witnessed rare protests last year, which led to hundreds of arrests and prompted the king to pledge increased spending on education and healthcare.
Bloomberg suggested that, despite the stark differences between the crown prince’s position and the realities faced by many young Moroccans, authorities may view him as a potential bridge between the state and younger generations.
The report concludes that Moulay El Hassan’s military appointment is not only a milestone in the line of succession, but also part of a broader recalibration of governance, aligning Morocco’s leadership structure with evolving domestic and regional dynamics.
Notably, King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, officially appointed Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan as coordinator of the offices and services of the General Staff on Saturday, May 2.
