Heritage

A Legacy of Resilience, Innovation, and Philanthropy: The Benjelloun-Sefrioui Heritage

The Benjelloun-Sefrioui family heritage, deeply rooted in Andalusian, Moroccan, and Fassi traditions, tells a story of resilience, enterprise, and commitment to societal progress. Spanning centuries, the family’s journey from Andalusia to Morocco during the Reconquista, and their subsequent influence in business, education, and philanthropy, exemplifies a dedication to creating enduring value and opportunity.

15th Century: Origins in Andalusia

The family traces its origins to Andalusian communities that sought refuge in Morocco following the Reconquista. Many of these jewish and muslim families settled in Fes, a city synonymous with knowledge, culture, and commerce. Known as “Fassi” families, these groups became renowned for their contributions to higher education, social good, and business—a tradition that would become central to the Benjelloun-Sefrioui legacy.

Early 20th Century: Laying the Foundations of Enterprise

The Sefrioui branch of the family flourished in Sefrou, near Fes, initially as traders in diamonds and jewelry. This industrious spirit led to exclusive rights to Morocco’s rhassoul clay mines, laying the groundwork for a vast conglomerate in construction materials, transportation, and real estate. These ventures underscored the family’s knack for identifying opportunities and scaling them into impactful enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Benjelloun side of the family was also establishing its prominence. 

Bensalem Benjelloun, a rated chess player and Rachid’s maternal grandfather, began teaching him the game at just three years old. Later, he took Rachid along to his factories, where he imparted lessons on listening, learning, and commercial logic. Among his memorable advice was the timeless saying, “A cent is the grandfather of the million,” emphasizing the importance of cost control.

Mid-20th Century: The Emergence of Industry Leaders

Naima Benjelloun, a pioneering entrepreneur and Rachid Sefrioui’s mother, exemplified the family’s progressive ethos. After earning a pharmacy degree from Bordeaux University in 1968, she co-founded CooperPharma, a pharmaceutical powerhouse that grew into a pan-African leader. Naima’s ventures across Africa not only shaped industries but also served as platforms for mentorship, teaching younger generations resilience and a commitment to excellence.

Simultaneously, the Sefrioui family expanded its influence in finance and real estate. Rachid’s paternal grandfather demonstrated mastery in leadership and negotiation, skills Rachid absorbed through observation. 

His father, a doctorate-holder in law from Bordeaux University, contributed to the family’s legacy by fostering attention to detail and risk management, often bringing Rachid to evening law lectures.

Late 20th Century: Global Expansion and Mentorship

By the late 20th century, the family’s global ambitions took center stage. Othman Benjelloun, chairman of BMCE Bank (now Bank of Africa), embodied this expansion. 

In 1997, Othman invited Rachid to join his financial group, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership. Two years later, at age 32, Rachid founded Finaventures, with BMCE Bank as an anchor investor.

 This collaboration led to the establishment of Othman’s family office and the growth of FinanceCom International into O Capital Group.

21st Century: A Legacy of Innovation

Rachid Sefrioui inherited and built upon this family legacy with remarkable achievements. 

As a teenager, he launched and sold his first company, showcasing entrepreneurial talent that would define his career. His passion for technology led him to the U.S., where he pursued a degree in management and operations research. 

By 1999, Rachid had established Finaventures, which became synonymous with building ecosystems for growth equity.

During this period, the family’s commitment to philanthropy also evolved. Their contributions extended beyond commerce, with initiatives in education and healthcare reflecting deeply held values of societal betterment.

Philanthropy and the Next Generation

For the Benjelloun-Sefrioui family, philanthropy is not merely an act of generosity but a continuation of their heritage. 

By investing in education, such as endowing university facilities or programs, they celebrate their Andalusian-Fassi origins and honor their legacy of fostering knowledge, higher education and entrepreneurial opportunity. 

Today, the family’s impact resonates through its contributions to sectors as diverse as technology, finance, real estate, and healthcare. As they look to the future, their commitment to innovation, resilience, and societal good remains unwavering—a legacy firmly rooted in their Andalusian-Fassi heritage.