Morocco Opens Bidding for 5G Licenses, Targets 70% Coverage by 2030

RABAT – July 11, 2025 — Morocco has taken a decisive step toward accelerating its digital transformation with the launch of the national 5G license bidding process, officially announced by the National Agency for Telecommunications Regulation (ANRT). The move positions the Kingdom to be among the first North African countries to implement large-scale 5G infrastructure.

The bidding round, open to domestic and international telecom operators, comes as Morocco prepares to expand high-speed mobile connectivity to 25% of the population by 2026 and an ambitious 70% by 2030—a timeline aligned with the country’s strategic preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

An ANRT spokesperson stated:

“The deployment of 5G is a cornerstone of Morocco’s digital sovereignty strategy. It will enhance industrial productivity, support innovation in education and health, and empower Moroccan citizens and businesses with next-generation connectivity.”

A National Infrastructure Priority

The 5G initiative forms part of Morocco’s broader Digital 2030 Agenda, which emphasizes inclusive access to high-speed internet, digital entrepreneurship, and cloud infrastructure across all regions—from urban hubs to rural provinces.

Industry experts expect that 5G rollout will create tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly in construction, network engineering, cybersecurity, and application development. The government has also confirmed that spectrum allocations will be accompanied by investment requirements for nationwide deployment and innovation partnerships.

Smart Cities, Green Networks

Telecom operators bidding for 5G licenses are expected to integrate energy-efficient infrastructure, including green base stations powered by solar and wind. The technology is seen as foundational for Morocco’s smart cities framework, enabling applications in autonomous transport, precision agriculture, logistics, and smart governance.

“The timing is strategic,” said a senior analyst at North Africa Telecom Forum. “With the 2030 World Cup on the horizon, Morocco has a chance to leapfrog into the next era of connectivity and showcase digital leadership on a global stage.”

Investor and Public Engagement

To ensure transparency and fair competition, ANRT has published a full regulatory framework for 5G licensing on its official website, inviting stakeholder feedback and prequalification by September 2025. License awards are expected to be finalized by Q1 2026, allowing for initial network deployment in key metropolitan areas such as Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier.

Morocco’s three incumbent mobile operators—Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, and Inwi—are widely expected to participate in the bid, though international technology partnerships may shape the competitive landscape.