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Marrakech – The Moroccan government has announced plans to invest MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) to deploy 5G technology across the country, with the goal of covering 85% of the population by 2030.
The announcement came during the board meeting of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), held Friday in Rabat under the chairmanship of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch.
The ambitious project will begin implementation by the end of 2025, with several major cities receiving 5G coverage in the initial phase. This initiative forms part of the broader “Morocco Digital 2030” strategy, which aims to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
During the meeting, ANRT Director General Azzelarab Hassibi presented the current state of telecommunications in Morocco. He noted that mobile phone services now reach 57 million subscribers, while internet users number approximately 40 million, representing a 90% penetration rate – significantly higher than the African continental average of 37%.
These advancements have positioned Morocco as the leading African country in the 2025 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rankings according to the Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI).
The board meeting also addressed territorial disparities in telecommunications coverage. Akhannouch stressed the importance of ensuring network coverage throughout the entire country, particularly in mountainous regions.
He instructed the ANRT to identify areas with limited or no coverage and to coordinate with relevant government departments and the private sector to provide citizens with reliable, high-quality telecommunications services.
As part of this effort, the board approved a national survey to identify remote localities suffering from weak or non-existent telecommunications coverage. These areas will be progressively integrated into a targeted deployment program.
Additionally, the ANRT announced an update to the National Frequency Plan to adapt to technological developments and support the country’s socio-economic needs. The agency will continue implementing structural projects to extend high-speed internet access and fiber optic networks alongside the gradual introduction of 5G technology.
This telecommunications expansion comes as the North African country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
These events demand strong digital infrastructure to enable global media access and enrich visitor experience, as Morocco works to close the digital gap and improve development indicators.
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