Casablanca – Morocco’s telecommunication sector has just entered a new era of digital transformation with a groundbreaking partnership between Maroc Telecom and Inwi. The two leading telecom operators have joined forces to deploy fiber optics and 5G networks across the country, with a combined investment of $467 million for the first phase, set to span three years.

Under the terms of the agreement, both operators will pool their resources to enhance Morocco’s digital infrastructure through the creation of two joint ventures: FiberCo and TowerCo. Each company will hold a 50% stake in these ventures, marking a strategic shift in the country’s telecommunication landscape.

FiberCo will focus on the deployment of high-speed fiber optic networks, aiming to connect 1 million homes in two years, with a target of 3 million connections within five years. This ambitious initiative aims to provide Moroccan residents and businesses with ultra-fast internet access, supporting the government’s push for digital transformation.

TowerCo will handle the expansion of Morocco’s 5G network. The company plans to build 2,000 new telecom towers over the next three years, with a long-term goal of constructing 6,000 towers within ten years. This will significantly boost the country’s mobile connectivity, enabling faster speeds, greater capacity, and improved quality for 5G users.

The total investment of $467 million for the first phase will cover both the fiber optic network expansion and the 5G rollout. The partnership is part of a broader effort to ensure that Morocco remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the region.

These joint ventures will operate within Morocco’s regulatory framework, with the country’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) overseeing the approval process. Once approved, the infrastructure will be available for use by any licensed telecom operator in Morocco, ensuring a fair and competitive market.

Notably, this partnership comes as a resolution to past disputes between Maroc Telecom and Inwi regarding the sharing of telecom infrastructure. The two companies have agreed to settle their previous legal disputes, reducing the compensation owed by Maroc Telecom to Inwi from $642 million to $434 million. This settlement paves the way for a more collaborative future between the operators, focusing on shared goals of infrastructure development and the digitalization of Morocco.

With this landmark partnership, Maroc Telecom and Inwi are reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Morocco’s digital infrastructure and positioning the country as a leader in telecommunications both in Africa and globally.