Morocco promotes digitalisation with the launch of 5G
Morocco is preparing for a transformative technological leap with the launch of the 5G mobile network, scheduled for November 2025, just before the start of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). This development not only promises ultra-fast mobile internet, but will also open the door to a new era of innovation in sectors such as healthcare, industry, agriculture, smart cities and digital services.
According to the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), the goal is to provide 5G coverage to 25% of the population by the end of 2025, reaching 70% by 2030. The rollout will initially focus on major urban centres, strategic economic zones, technology parks and industrial areas, prioritising universities, research centres and key industries such as automotive and aeronautics.
A spokesperson for the ANRT assured that the new regulations under development ‘will guarantee not only broad coverage, but also high-quality service, which is essential to meet user expectations.’
This ambitious plan is supported in part by a historic alliance between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, which in March signed the creation of two joint ventures: FiberCo, which plans to roll out one million fibre optic connections over the next two years, and up to three million in five years; and TowerCo, which will build 2,000 telecommunications towers by 2028 and 6,000 by 2033.
The joint investment programme is valued at 4.4 billion dirhams (440 million dollars), with the aim of reducing costs and accelerating national coverage through infrastructure sharing. For its part, Orange Morocco is exploring its own strategy that seeks to balance technological autonomy with cooperation agreements.
This agreement represents a shift in the relationship between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, following years of legal disputes over infrastructure sharing. The conflict resulted in a penalty of 6.38 billion dirhams (638 million dollars) imposed on Maroc Telecom. However, as part of the new understanding, appeals will be dropped and compensation will be reduced to 4.38 billion dirhams (438 million dollars).
The impact of 5G in Morocco
The implementation of 5G will go far beyond improving browsing speeds. It will optimise urban traffic, boost the growth of smart homes, increase industrial efficiency, modernise agriculture and transform digital public and administrative services.
International studies show that a 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration can translate into GDP growth of up to 2.5%, underscoring the enormous economic potential of this transformation for Morocco.
The launch schedule is also strategically aligned with major sporting events. In addition to AFCON 2025, the country is preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. By then, Morocco aims to achieve full national coverage, consolidating its position as a regional leader in digital innovation.
At the end of 2024, Morocco had 37.44 million mobile internet users, according to ANRT data. The introduction of 5G represents a crucial step in the ‘Morocco Digital 2030’ strategy, which promotes co-investment and shared use of infrastructure as a basis for advancing the Kingdom's digital transformation.