Rabat — Since Mohamed Benchaaboun took the helm as Chairman of the Management Board of Maroc Telecom on March 1, 2025, the company is undergoing a pivotal transformation. Facing intensified competition, regulatory scrutiny, and the urgent need for digital modernization, the leadership change marks more than a routine shift — it signals a strategic realignment for one of Africa’s largest telecom operators.
Benchaaboun’s appointment comes as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, heightening national urgency to scale infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and accelerate 5G rollout. His extensive background across telecommunications, banking, economic policy, and diplomacy equips him with a broad toolkit to navigate this complex landscape. A graduate of École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris, Benchaaboun has held leadership roles including head of Morocco’s telecom regulator (ANRT), Minister of Economy and Finance, and Ambassador to France.
The company recently faced significant challenges, including a MAD 6.3 billion ($640 million) fine in 2024 for anti-competitive practices, surpassing its annual net profit. In response, Maroc Telecom has initiated internal audits, executive changes, and plans for governance restructuring, with a shareholder vote set for June 2025 expected to approve reforms in transparency and performance culture.
Under Benchaaboun, Maroc Telecom forged a landmark cooperation agreement with longtime rival Inwi in March 2025, shifting from litigation to collaboration. The two companies now jointly share infrastructure, coordinate 5G deployment, and align innovation strategies. Additionally, a strategic partnership with Vodafone Business launched in April aims to boost cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise services across Morocco and the region.
The countdown to the 2030 World Cup intensifies pressure on Maroc Telecom to deliver seamless, high-capacity digital infrastructure. Morocco aims to extend 5G coverage to 25% of its population by the end of 2025 and 70% by 2030, focusing on urban centers, industrial zones, and innovation hubs. Joint ventures FiberCo and TowerCo, created by Maroc Telecom and Inwi, plan ambitious fiber optic and telecom tower expansions with investments totaling MAD 4.4 billion ($440 million).
Balancing its legacy as a state-rooted regional giant operating across 11 African countries with the demands of a digital future, Maroc Telecom faces tightening regulatory oversight and expectations for innovation. Benchaaboun’s expertise in public finance and regulatory affairs will be critical in harmonizing legacy stewardship with forward-looking growth.
As Maroc Telecom rebuilds trust, prepares for a 5G-enabled World Cup, and seeks broader African expansion, the company bets on technocratic leadership to drive its next chapter — positioning Morocco as a digital leader on the global stage.
