Ericsson and Orange Maroc have entered a strategic partnership to modernize and expand Orange’s core network in preparation for the launch of standalone 5G services planned later in 2025. This collaboration supports Morocco’s National Strategy ‘Digital Morocco 2030’ and aims to deliver high-performance connectivity aligned with the country’s digital transformation goals.
Orange Maroc will integrate Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G core and cloud-native infrastructure, including a cloud core policy controller designed to enhance scalability, network resilience, and enable new business models. The upgrade also involves adding IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Ericsson packet core sites to strengthen voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) capabilities and support reliable 4G and 5G services such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), fixed wireless access (FWA), gaming, and industrial connectivity.
Hendrik Kasteel, Orange Maroc CEO, emphasized the partnership’s role in delivering a powerful, reliable network to meet Morocco’s growing digital demands. Ericsson’s Majda Lahlou Kassi highlighted their commitment to supporting Morocco’s fast-evolving connectivity needs with robust, scalable infrastructure.
Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) aims to launch 5G rollouts by November 2025, targeting 25% population coverage by year-end and 70% by 2030. This follows similar infrastructure efforts by Moroccan operators Inwi and Maroc Telecom to boost fiber optic and 5G networks.
Regionally, North African countries are accelerating 5G adoption, with Egypt recently launching 5G services and Algeria initiating license tenders for a 2025 rollout, underscoring a robust regional digital connectivity push.
