Yassine Rafik: A New Force in Belgium’s Political and Business Landscape
Hailing from the vibrant city of Rabat, Yassine Rafik has quickly made a name for himself in Belgium's political and business circles since relocating to the country less than a decade ago. At the young age of 29, this Belgo-Moroccan entrepreneur has recently acquired a controlling interest in Fisa, the company responsible for organizing the illustrious Batibouw fair, a significant event in the Belgian construction industry.
Yassine's journey began when he arrived in Brussels around 2019, nearly a stranger in a new land. Inspired by the political career of Nicolas Sarkozy, he attended a reception hosted by the Mouvement Réformateur (MR), a prominent liberal party in Belgium. It was there that he encountered David Leisterh, who would become his political mentor, marking the inception of his rapid ascent within the corridors of power in Belgium.
A Journey from Rabat to Brussels
His roots trace back to a well-off family in Rabat, where his father worked for the Walloon export agency, Awex, and his mother held a management position in a major Moroccan bank. After completing his education at a French high school, Yassine moved to Paris for further studies. Although he faced setbacks in entrance exams for prestigious business schools, he discovered a fervent passion for politics that would guide his future ambitions.
In Brussels, Yassine pursued a degree in management and quickly became the spokesperson for David Leisterh. His political acumen shone through during the successful campaign for the MR in the 2024 regional elections, paving the way for closer ties with the party's president, Georges-Louis Bouchez. Notably, his rise within the MR coincided with the increasing visibility of several Moroccan-origin elected officials within the party.
His political trajectory was so promising that his name was circulated as a potential minister within the Brussels government, as reported by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd. In February 2026, after more than 600 days of negotiations among parties, it was Yassine who announced the breakthrough to journalists from a balcony, highlighting his growing influence.
However, disillusioned by the prolonged political negotiations, Yassine shifted his focus to the business world. Partnering with Joan Condijts, a former editor-in-chief of L’Écho, he launched BEDEX, a trade fair dedicated to the defense industry. The inaugural event in March 2026 attracted over 200 exhibitors and approximately 17,000 visitors, featuring high-profile attendees such as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Rafik proudly showcased a photograph with these dignitaries on his LinkedIn profile.
On November 3, Yassine took a significant step in his career by acquiring 60% of Fisa and becoming its CEO, while the historical shareholder Philippe Lhomme retained the remaining 40%. However, this young entrepreneur is faced with the challenge of revitalizing a company that has faced difficulties; Batibouw, a long-standing fixture in Belgium's construction landscape, saw attendance drop to 200,000 visitors in February, a decline from pre-pandemic levels, compounded by over five million euros in accumulated losses.
Looking ahead, Rafik aims to expand professional trade fairs, enhance Batibouw's digital presence, and create new events. His vision includes increasing the scale of BEDEX from two to five exhibition halls at Brussels Expo. The next Batibouw edition is slated for February 13 to 21, 2027, promising an exciting future for both Yassine and the events he oversees.
As reported by bladi.net.
