Maroc Telecom (IAM) and Inwi (Wana Corporate) have formalized a strategic agreement designed to expedite the nationwide expansion of fiber-optic infrastructure and the rollout of 5G technology, reinforcing the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts.
Having secured the necessary approvals from Maroc Telecom’s Supervisory Board and Inwi’s Board of Directors, this unprecedented collaboration marks a significant turning point in the country’s pursuit of ultra-high-speed connectivity, a key pillar in its overarching digital strategy.
At the core of this agreement lies the mutual commitment of the two telecommunications giants to consolidate their passive infrastructure assets by jointly establishing two specialized entities, each equally owned by IAM and Inwi.
The first, FiberCo, will spearhead the deployment of fiber-optic networks with the ambitious objective of reaching one million connections within the first two years and expanding to three million within five years, thereby enabling a substantial portion of the population to access ultra-fast internet services.
The second entity, TowerCo, will be dedicated to accelerating the nationwide implementation of 5G technology by investing in the construction of new towers and the modernization of existing ones, with a target of installing 2,000 towers within three years and expanding to 6,000 towers over a decade.
The scale of investment for the initial phase of this transformative initiative has been set at 4.4 billion MAD over a three-year period, reflecting the financial commitment of both operators in ensuring the success of this ambitious endeavor.
The shared passive infrastructure will remain accessible to any licensed telecommunications provider authorized to utilize such facilities, in strict adherence to existing regulatory frameworks.
Despite its forward-looking nature, this agreement also signifies a resolution to past disputes between the two companies, particularly concerning infrastructure-sharing conflicts that led to legal proceedings. Maroc Telecom, which had been ordered to compensate Inwi with 6.38 billion MAD, has reached a settlement whereby both parties will withdraw all pending appeals before the Court of Cassation, agreeing instead to a reduced compensation of 4.38 billion MAD upon the finalization of joint venture agreements.
While the implementation of this partnership remains contingent upon the approval of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) within the framework of antitrust regulations, its anticipated impact extends far beyond mere corporate collaboration.
By aligning their efforts, Maroc Telecom and Inwi not only reaffirm their shared vision of strengthening the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure but also contribute meaningfully to the realization of national strategic projects aimed at positioning Morocco as a regional and international telecommunications leader.
Beyond enhancing digital accessibility for citizens and businesses alike, this initiative underscores Morocco’s ability to attract substantial private sector investments in next-generation technology, ultimately fostering economic growth and reinforcing its standing as a key player in the global digital landscape.
In a joint statement, Maroc Telecom and Inwi expressed their gratitude to the relevant authorities and stakeholders for their unwavering support, reiterating their commitment to playing a pivotal role in Morocco’s technological and economic advancement.
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