Maroc Telecom (IAM) and Inwi (Wana Corporate) have formalized a landmark strategic agreement aimed at accelerating the nationwide expansion of fiber-optic infrastructure and the rollout of 5G technology, reinforcing Morocco’s digital transformation efforts.
With approvals from both Maroc Telecom’s Supervisory Board and Inwi’s Board of Directors, this unprecedented partnership represents a significant milestone in the country’s push for ultra-high-speed connectivity, a crucial component of its digital strategy.
The agreement centers on the establishment of two joint entities, each equally owned by IAM and Inwi, to consolidate their passive infrastructure assets. The first entity, FiberCo, will drive the deployment of fiber-optic networks. Its goal is to connect one million households within the first two years and expand to three million within five years, making ultra-fast internet services accessible to a large portion of the population.
The second entity, TowerCo, will focus on accelerating the national rollout of 5G technology. This will involve the construction of new towers and the modernization of existing ones, aiming to install 2,000 towers within three years and grow to 6,000 towers over a decade.
The initial phase of this transformative initiative will require an investment of 4.4 billion MAD over three years, reflecting the strong financial commitment from both telecom giants to ensure the success of this project.
The shared passive infrastructure will be open to any licensed telecommunications provider, adhering to existing regulatory frameworks. This collaborative agreement also resolves previous disputes between the two companies, particularly over infrastructure-sharing issues that had led to legal proceedings. Maroc Telecom, which had been ordered to compensate Inwi with 6.38 billion MAD, has now settled, agreeing to a reduced compensation of 4.38 billion MAD once the joint venture agreements are finalized, and both parties will withdraw all pending appeals.
The partnership is still subject to approval by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), which will ensure compliance with antitrust regulations. If approved, it is expected to have a far-reaching impact beyond corporate collaboration, contributing to national strategic goals and strengthening Morocco’s position as a leader in regional and international telecommunications.
Through this partnership, Maroc Telecom and Inwi not only aim to enhance digital accessibility for Moroccan citizens and businesses, but also attract significant private sector investment in next-generation technologies. This move is expected to spur economic growth and reinforce Morocco’s global standing in the digital space.
In a joint statement, both companies expressed their gratitude to the relevant authorities and stakeholders for their support and reiterated their commitment to playing a key role in Morocco’s technological and economic progress.
