Maroc Telecom chairman Abdeslam Ahizoune fired following Wana lawsuit

Abdeslam Ahizoune was dismissed today from his position as chairman of the board of directors of Maroc Telecom, after a ruling by the Casablanca Court of Appeal imposed a 6.4 billion dirhams fine on the company in favor of its competitor Wana.

 Mohamed Benchaaboun was appointed to lead the company, taking over for a two-year term set to last until March 2027, as part of a board renewal process, with the current members’ terms expiring on March 1.

While Maroc Telecom opted to settle the fine, the court’s decision condemned the company for anti-competitive practices that hurt Wana’s interests. 

Ahizoune’s leadership was increasingly questioned as the company’s performance suffered in both local and African markets, prompting frustration from the UAE-based “E&” Group (formerly Etisalat), which owns 53% of Maroc Telecom. 

The group has expressed its intention to challenge the ruling through all available legal means to protect its investment in Morocco.

A statement from Maroc Telecom confirmed that Benchaaboun’s appointment would be crucial for the company’s strategic overhaul.

 The board also decided to extend the mandates of several other directors, including Ibrahim Boudaoud, Hassan Rachad, François Vite, and Abdelkader Maamar, for another two years.

Ahizoune’s tenure at the helm was marked by controversy, particularly following Morocco’s lackluster performance at the Paris Olympics. 

His dual role as chairman of both Maroc Telecom and the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation raised questions of conflict of interest, with allegations that advertising contracts were used to influence media coverage critical of the federation’s handling of the games.

The supervisory board of Maroc Telecom is chaired by Nadia Fettah Aloui, Minister of Economy and Finance, along with Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of the Interior, and Abdellatif Zaghnoun Director General of the National Agency for the Strategic Management of State Shareholdings.