Morocco is on the verge of a major breakthrough in telecommunications with the imminent launch of 5G technology, a strategic move to modernize the country’s digital infrastructure in preparation for hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This ambitious initiative aims to provide seamless connectivity for citizens and visitors while positioning Morocco as a leading tech hub in Africa.
During a parliamentary session in December 2024, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni outlined the government’s 5G deployment strategy. The plan targets 25% population coverage by 2026, with an expansion to 70% by 2030. Cities hosting major sporting events will receive full 5G coverage, ensuring a high-speed, high-quality digital experience for participants and spectators alike.
To support this transition, the Moroccan government allocated over 8.4 billion dirhams ($830 million) in 2023 to enhance telecommunications infrastructure and assist network operators. These funds are being used to modernize existing networks, install new antennas, and upgrade data transmission systems. Simultaneously, Morocco is rolling out an extensive fiber optic expansion, aiming to connect 6,300 government institutions by 2026 and 5.6 million households by 2030.
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) is finalizing the bidding process for 5G spectrum licenses, initially set for December 2024 but now expected in the first half of 2025. Leading Moroccan telecom operators—Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange Maroc—are competing for licenses, while global tech giants like Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson, and Oracle have also shown strong interest in supporting Morocco’s 5G infrastructure.
Deploying 5G in Morocco presents significant technical challenges, particularly the need to reallocate frequencies currently used by key sectors such as defense, aviation, and broadcasting. The ANRT is playing a crucial role in managing this transition smoothly to avoid disruptions. Additionally, infrastructure-sharing agreements between telecom providers are being considered to reduce costs and accelerate deployment, given the substantial investments required for this transformation.
Beyond enhancing connectivity for the general public, 5G is expected to be a major driver of industrial innovation in Morocco. With the ability to handle up to one million connections per square kilometer, this technology will unlock new possibilities in the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial automation, and smart cities. Businesses will benefit from real-time operational monitoring and ubiquitous connectivity, optimizing efficiency and profitability across multiple sectors.
By embracing 5G technology, Morocco is taking a significant step toward digital modernization, reinforcing its position as a tech leader in Africa and ensuring world-class digital infrastructure for upcoming international events.
