Moroccan telecom operators Maroc Telecom and Inwi have announced the signing of an expanded partnership agreement aimed at accelerating the deployment of fibre optic and 5G technologies across Morocco. The two companies will consolidate parts of their passive telecom infrastructure by creating two equally owned joint ventures, marking a significant step in the country’s digital transformation.
Under the agreement, the two new divisions will be established. One, called FiberCo, will focus on expanding fibre optic networks, with a goal of reaching one million connections within two years and three million within five years. The other division, TowerCo, will oversee the construction of 2,000 new towers in the next three years, with plans to build 6,000 towers over the next ten years to support the rollout of 5G networks.
The first phase of the project is estimated to cost MAD4.4 billion (approximately $457 million) over the next three years, pending approval from Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT).
Jassem Alzaabi, Chairman of e&, the owner of Maroc Telecom, emphasized that this strategic partnership between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, along with joint investments in fibre and 5G infrastructure, would contribute to greater market stability and solidify Morocco’s position as an attractive investment destination.
Additionally, a legal dispute between the two operators, where Maroc Telecom was ordered to pay Inwi MAD6.38 billion (about $662 million) for allegedly violating fair competition rules, has now been resolved. Maroc Telecom will pay Inwi MAD4.38 billion ($455 million) instead, with both operators agreeing to drop their legal appeals.
