• Morocco to invest $8.9B in 5G rollout, targeting 85% coverage by 2030.

• Plan includes fiber expansion and rural connectivity under Digital 2030 strategy.

• Aims to boost digital inclusion and sectoral transformation.

Morocco's National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) announced an 80 billion dirham, or $8.9 billion, investment program to deploy 5G technology nationwide. The announcement followed a board meeting in Rabat on Friday, July 25. The rollout will begin in late 2025, with a goal of covering 85% of the population by 2030.

During the meeting, ANRT Director General Az El Arabe Hassibi reviewed sector indicators. Morocco now has 57 million mobile phone subscribers and about 40 million internet users. The country's internet penetration rate is close to 90%, significantly higher than the African average of 37%.

Beyond 5G deployment, the investment program includes several complementary measures. These include updating the National Frequency Plan (PNF), expanding the fiber optic network, and strengthening broadband coverage in rural, mountainous, and underserved areas. A national survey will identify low coverage zones for inclusion in a priority digital development plan.

All these actions fall under the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy. This strategy aims to connect 5.6 million households to fiber optics and improve internet access quality in 1,800 rural localities. Morocco is relying on modernizing its digital infrastructure to accelerate economic transformation and ensure better digital inclusion.

The initiative's success will depend on close coordination among public authorities, telecom operators, and local communities. The objective is to ensure equitable digital coverage nationwide while fostering an environment conducive to innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

In this context, 5G deployment marks a major turning point. It is not just a technical upgrade but a catalyst for transformation across many sectors, including industry, healthcare, education, and public services. By significantly increasing network speed, reliability, and capacity, 5G will enable new uses and encourage the adoption of smart solutions tailored to the country’s needs.

Samira Njoya