Akhiat began his career as a mathematics teacher in Kenitra and Rabat.[1] Meanwhile, he became an Amazigh, or Berber, activist.[2] In Rabat in 1967 he co-founded the Association marocaine de recherches et d'échanges culturelles, an Amazigh cultural organization which rose to prominence,[4] alongside Abdellah Bounfour, Ahmed Akouaou, Omar El Khalfaoui and Ali El Jaoui.[5] He served as its secretary general until his death.[2] He joined the board of the Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture in 2002.[2]