Maroc Telecom and Inwi Align to Boost Fiber and 5G Deployment across Morocco
Maroc Telecom, Inwi Announce Expanded Partnership for Fibre-Optic and 5G Deployment
In a historic move for Morocco's telecommunications sector, Maroc Telecom and Inwi have agreed to drop their legal appeals as part of dispute resolution, paving the way for a more cooperative relationship. This resolution marks a significant step towards greater market stability and strengthening Morocco's position as an attractive destination for investment in the telecommunications sector.
The expanded partnership, formalized in March 2025, consists of the creation of two joint ventures, UniFiber and UniTower. The goal of these joint ventures is to accelerate the nationwide deployment of fiber-optic (FTTH) and 5G networks in Morocco.
UniFiber and UniTower aim to expand fibre-optic networks to reach 1 million connections within two years and 3 million connections within five years. Additionally, they plan to build or renovate 2,000 telecom towers in three years and 6,000 in ten years. The initial investment for the first three years is MAD 4.4 billion (Moroccan dirhams).
The goals of the partnership include rapid deployment of fiber infrastructure to improve fixed internet access, accelerated rollout of 5G networks to enhance mobile connectivity, and providing shared infrastructure accessible to all authorized operators under regulatory compliance.
This initiative supports Morocco’s digital transformation agenda by enhancing broadband coverage and enabling faster, more reliable internet, both fixed and mobile. It comes alongside ANRT’s (National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency) licensing of 5G networks to Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange Morocco, with ambitious coverage targets of 45% of the population by 2026 and 85% by 2030. Collectively, Maroc Telecom and Inwi, among others, plan investments totaling MAD 80 billion over the next decade for 5G rollout and maintenance.
The joint ventures aim to create robust infrastructure that fosters competition and innovation, benefiting consumers and enterprises across Morocco. They also seek to consolidate parts of the passive telecom infrastructure by pooling resources and avoiding duplicate infrastructure.
Jassem Alzaabi, Chairman of e& (the parent company of Maroc Telecom), endorsed the partnership as a significant step towards greater market stability and strengthening Morocco's position as an attractive destination for investment in the telecommunications sector.
The regulatory clearance for the first phase of the project is necessary before both companies can move forward. However, the article does not provide information on the timeline for the approval of the first phase of the project by ANRT. Similarly, the regulatory approval for this partnership is not mentioned in the article.
The resolution of the legal dispute between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, which involved allegations of violating fair competition rules, has been resolved. This suggests a move toward greater market harmony between the two companies. Maroc Telecom has agreed to pay MAD 4.38 billion (approximately US$455 million) to Inwi to resolve the dispute.
The partnership will result in the creation of two joint ventures, FiberCo and TowerCo. The article does not provide details on the current coverage or infrastructure of Maroc Telecom and Inwi in Morocco. Furthermore, the article does not mention any timeline for the completion of the 5G rollout.
This collaboration comes at a time when Morocco is focusing on digital transformation and improving its telecommunications infrastructure. The expanded partnership between Maroc Telecom and Inwi is set to strengthen the expansion of fibre-optic networks and support the development of 5G services throughout Morocco.
The expanded partnership between Maroc Telecom and Inwi will also attract investment from the finance and technology sectors, contributing to the growth of the business and industry landscape in Morocco. The joint ventures, UniFiber and UniTower, aim to become key players in the fiber-optic and 5G technology sectors, promoting innovation and competition within the country's telecommunications industry.
