As the digital economy continues to flourish, Abdeslam Alaoui Smaili stands out as a pivotal figure in transforming Casablanca into a global hub for payment technologies. Serving as the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HPS since its inception in 1995, Smaili has been instrumental in steering the company from a local venture to a prominent player in the international payment industry. His engineering background, acquired from the University of Toulouse, has equipped him with the expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of a highly regulated and multi-currency landscape.
Under Smaili's leadership, HPS has expanded its reach to over 100 countries and established a significant local presence in 12 nations. The company boasts a workforce of more than 1,500 professionals, operates seven SaaS data centers, and supports over 500 PowerCARD users. Furthermore, it has developed six national and regional switches and more than 50 domestic interchange platforms, solidifying its status as a leader in the payment solutions sector.
The growth trajectory of HPS is also reflected in its financial performance; since being listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange in December 2006, the company reported consolidated revenues of 1.547 billion dirhams in 2025. This remarkable progress illustrates a strategic scaling that has been executed with consistent focus and direction.
Smaili represents a generation of leaders who have quietly but effectively championed Morocco's position in critical sectors such as payment technology. His methodical approach emphasizes long-term planning, rigorous execution, and the ability to manage essential infrastructures from Morocco on a global scale. As GitexAfrica 2026 approaches, it is essential to recognize key players like Smaili, who are not only facilitating the digital transformation in Morocco but are also shaping its future with innovative solutions and strategic foresight.
As reported by telquel.ma.