The Fatimids pose a threat to Morocco for many years, but their deepest ambition is to rule the East, the Mashriq, which includes Egypt and Muslim lands beyond.

By 969, they have conquered Egypt and in 972, the Fatimid ruler Al Muizz establishes the new city of Cairo as his capital.

The Fatimids leave the rule of Ifriqiya and most of Algeria to the Zirids (972–1148).

This Berber dynasty, which had founded the towns of Miliana, Médéa, and Algiers and centers significant local power in Algeria for the first time, turns over its domain west of Ifriqiya to the Banu Hammad branch of its family.