Morocco is gearing up for its 5G debut as the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) officially opens the bidding process for 5G licences.
The announcement, made Friday, sets the stage for a nationwide rollout scheduled to begin in November 2025, aligning with the country’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The move marks a major step in Morocco’s broader Digital 2030 strategy, a roadmap to expand connectivity, boost economic growth, and modernise public services through advanced telecom infrastructure.
5G rollout targets major cities first
The initial rollout will focus on major urban centres and innovation hubs, areas that demand faster speeds and lower latency.
The goal is to reach 25 percent of Morocco’s population by late 2025 or early 2026, and 70 percent by 2030, coinciding with Morocco’s role as co-host of the FIFA World Cup.
ANRT’s tender documents outline the technical, legal, and financial requirements for telecom operators to secure licences.
These include obligations on service quality, geographic coverage, and compliance with national digital goals. Companies interested in bidding can collect documents directly from ANRT and submit requests for clarification via fax or email.
Winning operators will receive formal licences through a government decree, with terms published in Morocco’s Official Bulletin. To ensure transparency in the selection process, a public report will also be released.
Digital Morocco 2030 strategy eyes fibre expansion, connectivity boost
The 5G push fits within a larger digital overhaul. Under the Digital Morocco 2030 agenda, the Kingdom plans to connect 6,300 public offices to fibre optic internet by 2026, and expand high-speed broadband to 5.6 million homes by 2030.
These initiatives aim to drive inclusive connectivity, especially in underserved areas. 5G’s ultra-fast speeds and low latency will unlock new possibilities across critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and logistics.
Morocco’s telecom authorities see 5G not just as a consumer-facing upgrade but as a backbone for smart cities, automated transport systems, and industrial innovation.
North Africa’s 5G race
Morocco isn’t alone. North Africa is experiencing a 5G boom. Tunisia was first out of the gate, with Tunisie Telecom launching commercial 5G services in March 2025 using 3.5GHz and repurposed 4G spectrum.
Algeria opened its 5G licensing round in May and is targeting a Q3 launch. Egypt went live on June 6 through major players like Vodafone, Orange, and Telecom Egypt.
Across Africa, the 5G rollout is picking up steam, though unevenly. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria already have limited commercial service, while others are still in pilot stages. Despite the varied pace, a continent-wide shift toward next-gen connectivity is underway.
With its structured plan and clear timelines, Morocco is positioning itself as a regional digital leader. If successful, the Kingdom’s model could guide other nations looking to bridge the connectivity gap and unlock the economic benefits of high-speed mobile technology.