Maroc Telecom and Inwi Team Up to Boost Fiber and 5G Deployment in Morocco
Expanded Partnership Between Maroc Telecom and Inwi Accelerates Morocco's Digital Transformation
Maroc Telecom and Inwi, two leading telecom operators in Morocco, have announced an expanded partnership aimed at accelerating the deployment of fibre-optic and 5G technologies across the country. The collaboration, which requires regulatory approval, is a strategic move towards enhancing Morocco's digital infrastructure and position as an attractive destination for investment in the telecommunications sector.
The partnership, formalized through the 2025 5G license awards by the Moroccan regulator, ANRT, involves the creation of two joint ventures, FiberCo and TowerCo. The goal is to strengthen the expansion of fibre-optic networks and support the development of 5G services throughout Morocco.
The operators have committed a combined investment of approximately 80 billion Moroccan dirhams (about $8 billion) to be spent on 5G and related infrastructure, including fibre-optic deployment, by 2035. They are required to cover 45% of Morocco's population with 5G by the end of 2026, expanding to 85% coverage by 2030 as part of Morocco’s national digital transformation strategy.
The first phase of the project between Maroc Telecom and Inwi for fibre-optic and 5G technologies is valued at MAD 4.4 billion (around US$457 million) over the next three years. This phase focuses on shared infrastructure investments that reduce costs and accelerate deployment across Morocco, enhancing both fibre-optic backbone expansion and 5G network densification.
The expanded partnership addresses challenges such as high infrastructure costs and regulatory pressures by pooling resources and expertise to deliver next-generation mobile and fixed networks more efficiently. This collaboration is a significant step towards greater market stability, as endorsed by Jassem Alzaabi, Chairman of e& (the parent company of Maroc Telecom).
The resolution of the legal dispute between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, which involved allegations of violating fair competition rules, has paved the way for a more cooperative relationship, as evidenced by the new partnership. Both parties have agreed to drop their legal appeals as part of the dispute resolution.
The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Morocco’s ambition to become a regional digital hub, supporting strategic digital transformation goals like improved connectivity, technological innovation, and the enablement of advanced digital services across sectors such as industry, entertainment, and public services.
Commercial 5G service launches are expected by late 2025, initially in major cities, with a broader rollout timed to coincide with the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December 2025, targeting stadiums, fan zones, hotels, and airports.
Sources:
- Reuters
- Arab News
- Morocco World News
- Telecom Review
- Financial Times
This expanded partnership between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, as formalized through the 2025 5G license awards by ANRT, incorporates the creation of two joint ventures, FiberCo and TowerCo, with the intention of boosting fibre-optic network expansion and 5G services in Morocco. The operators have pledged a combined investment of approximately 80 billion Moroccan dirhams (about $8 billion) towards 5G and related infrastructure, including fibre-optic deployment, by 2035, aiming at enhancing Morocco's digital infrastructure and the country's position in finance technology.
