• Morocco to launch 5G in Nov., starting in 8 cities and airports.

• Operators commit to 45% coverage by 2026, 85% by 2030.

• Move positions Morocco as digital hub, supporting smart cities.

Morocco will roll out commercial 5G services in November, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) said Sept. 2, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation strategy.

The regulator said all technical, regulatory and security conditions have been met, with spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3.4–3.8 GHz bands reallocated to support coverage. More than 80% of urban radio sites are already fiber-connected, a prerequisite for handling 5G traffic.

The three national operators — Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc and Inwi — are ready to activate services under a strict rollout plan. Coverage will begin in eight major cities and airports this year, reach 45% of the population by 2026 and 85% by 2030. Each operator is paying a minimum of 600 million dirhams ($66.4 million) for a 20-year license.

Authorities stressed cybersecurity as a priority, with a national monitoring system set up to mitigate risks and build user trust.

With the launch, Morocco will join 21 African countries that already offer 5G, according to the African Telecommunications Union. The technology is expected to underpin smart cities like Casablanca, industrial hubs such as Tanger Med, and digital health initiatives, while boosting innovation and competitiveness.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum