Maroc Telecom, Morocco’s leading telecommunications provider, has agreed to a settlement of MAD 6.4 billion (around $640 million) with competitor Wana Corporate, which operates under the Inwi brand. This settlement concludes a lengthy legal battle centered around allegations of unfair competition practices by Maroc Telecom.
Initially, Maroc Telecom planned to appeal the decision at Morocco’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, but has since decided to settle. This move indicates a strategic shift by Maroc Telecom to foster stability and put an end to one of the most contentious corporate disputes in the nation.
The fine, which represents 17% of Maroc Telecom’s revenue for 2023 and exceeds its 2022 profits of MAD 6.1 billion, marks the largest penalty in the history of Morocco’s telecom sector. This resolution not only addresses the financial aspects but also marks a critical moment for competition regulation within the Moroccan telecom market.
The outcome of this case underscores a broader commitment to enforcing fair competition laws more rigorously, signaling potential transformative changes in how Morocco’s telecommunications industry will operate in the future.