Key Takeaways:
- Expanded Infrastructure Partnership: Maroc Telecom and Inwi have signed an agreement to accelerate fiber optic and 5G deployment across Morocco through two equally-owned joint ventures.
- Ambitious Rollout Targets: The “FiberCo” venture aims for 3 million fiber connections in five years, while “TowerCo” plans 6,000 new 5G towers in ten years.
- Significant Investment: The initial phase of the project is valued at AED 4.4 billion over three years, pending regulatory approval.
- Strengthening Morocco’s Digital Economy: The collaboration underscores a commitment to market stability, digital inclusion, and supporting Morocco’s competitiveness and sustainable development.
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 27th March, 2025 (WAM) – Maroc Telecom (IAM) and Inwi (Wana Corporate) have announced an expanded partnership agreement aimed at significantly accelerating the deployment of fiber optic and 5G technologies throughout Morocco. This strategic collaboration highlights a concerted effort to bolster the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two leading telecom companies will consolidate portions of their passive telecom infrastructure by forming two equally-owned (50/50) joint ventures. This move is designed to strengthen fiber optic expansion and support the comprehensive development of Morocco’s 5G network.
The partnership includes the establishment of “FiberCo,” with the ambitious goal of expanding fiber optic networks to reach 1 million connections within two years and a total of 3 million within five years. Concurrently, “TowerCo” will oversee the construction of 2,000 new towers in three years, escalating to 6,000 towers over a decade, specifically to support the widespread rollout of 5G services.
The initial phase of this groundbreaking project is valued at AED 4.4 billion over a three-year period, pending the necessary approval from Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT).
Jassem Alzaabi, Chairman of e&, stated to WAM that this strategic collaboration, alongside joint investments in fiber and 5G infrastructure, marks a significant step towards greater market stability and reinforces Morocco’s position as an attractive destination for investment. He commended the country’s efforts to foster a balanced and competitive regulatory environment.
Alzaabi emphasized e&’s commitment to compliance with local and international regulations as a core ethical responsibility. He reiterated the company’s long-term investment in Morocco, focusing on expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital inclusion, and enabling various economic sectors to benefit from technological advancements.
Engineer Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, expressed pride in witnessing a new phase of market stability in Morocco, attributing it to a more balanced regulatory landscape. He reaffirmed Morocco’s importance to the group and its strategy to pursue innovation and growth in the digital and telecom sectors.
Dowidar articulated a clear future vision for the market, underscoring e&’s increased commitment to advancing investments in fiber and 5G infrastructure. He stated their aim is to strengthen digital infrastructure, support e-government services, and provide smart solutions that meet the needs of individuals and businesses, thereby enhancing Morocco’s regional competitiveness. He concluded that this strategic collaboration between Maroc Telecom and Inwi reflects institutional maturity and underscores that true partnerships are built on legal integrity and public interest, motivating comprehensive digital model development for Morocco’s digital transformation.
A joint statement from Maroc Telecom and Inwi confirmed that their respective supervisory and board of directors have approved the agreement, aligning with Morocco’s ongoing digital transformation and its ambitions to deliver high-speed communication services across the Kingdom.
