Morocco is poised to revolutionise its telecommunications landscape with the upcoming rollout of 5G technology, scheduled for November, just ahead of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) aims to provide 5G access to 25% of Morocco’s population by the end of 2025 and expand this to 70% by 2030.
The deployment will prioritise major urban areas and vital economic zones, enhancing connectivity in industrial sectors, technology parks, and innovation hubs. Essential institutions like universities, research centres, and industries such as automotive and aeronautics will be early beneficiaries of this transformative technology.
According to an ANRT spokesperson, new regulatory standards will ensure broad coverage and quality service, aligning with user expectations. This expansive initiative is powered by a strategic partnership between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, manifesting in two joint ventures launched in March. The first venture, FiberCo, aims to establish one million fibre optic connections within two years and three million over five years. The second venture, TowerCo, is set to construct 2,000 telecommunications towers by 2028 and 6,000 by 2033. The investment program, totalling approximately MAD 4.4 billion ($440 million), seeks to optimise costs and enhance national coverage through shared infrastructure.
Morocco’s 5G rollout holds significant promise for various sectors. Potential benefits include optimised traffic management in transportation, smarter home technologies, increased industrial efficiency, and improved agriculture and public administration services. Studies indicate that a 10% rise in mobile broadband penetration can potentially boost GDP by up to 2.5%, highlighting the economic impact of this advancement.
Beyond the immediate sporting event significance of AFCON 2025, Morocco is also gearing up for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. By this time, the country aims for full nationwide coverage, solidifying its role as a leader in digital innovation within the region and globally. As of December 31, 2024, Morocco reported 37.44 million mobile internet users, making this 5G initiative a critical component of the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy, emphasising infrastructure sharing and co-investment for advancing digital transformation.
