Morocco’s 5G plan is officially underway as the country’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) opens the bidding process for 5G licences.
This sets the stage for a commercial launch by November 2025, just in time for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco will host.
According to the ANRT, Morocco’s 5G plan is part of a broader plan to transform the country into a regional digital powerhouse, ahead of hosting the AFCON, which the country will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
“The government plans to extend 5G coverage to 25% of the population by the end of 2025 or early 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 70% coverage by 2030,” a statement read.
Understanding Morocco’s 5G Plan and Digital Agenda
The coverage is also expected to expand to 70% by 2030, coinciding with Morocco’s co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 with Spain and Portugal.
According to the ANRT, the 5G plan sits within the broader “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy, a nationwide blueprint aimed at modernising digital infrastructure.
Alongside mobile connectivity, the plan includes the rollout of fibre-optic internet to 6,300 public institutions by 2026, and widespread home connectivity to 5.6 million households by the end of the decade.
ANRT added that the plan underscores the Moroccan government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and positioning the country as a hub for investment in ICT, fintech, and smart industries.
Who Else Is Leading the Charge in North Africa?
While Morocco is making headlines with its 5G ambitions, Tunisia in March 2025 launched the Tunisie Telecom, becoming the first North African operator to roll out commercial 5G.
Algeria, meanwhile, began its 5G licence in mid-2025. Egypt officially joined the 5G club on June 6, 2025, with operators including Vodafone, Orange, e& (Etisalat), and Telecom Egypt launching services across major cities.
According to experts, these moves reflect a regional awakening, North African countries are no longer just watching the global 5G wave; they’re actively riding it.
Elsewhere on the continent, 5G deployment remains uneven. Early movers like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya began rolling out 5G networks years ago, but national coverage remains patchy.
Is 5G Necessary for Africa’s Growth?
According to 5G Americas and Omdia, as of early 2025, global 5G connections have surpassed 2.4 billion, with projections estimating over 8 billion connections by 2029, covering nearly 60% of the world’s mobile users.
Africa is steadily advancing, with countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and now Morocco making significant strides.
Experts agree that 5G is not just about faster connectivity, it’s a foundational technology that can support the digital transformation of African economies.
Analysts argue that Morocco’s 5G plan is critical to unlocking next-generation innovation across the continent. It also opens the door for new business models that can integrate informal sectors, create jobs, and boost productivity across multiple industries.
Talking Point
Morocco’s 5G plan marks a defining moment for North Africa’s digital future. With a clear rollout timeline tied to AFCON 2025 and long-term goals extending to the FIFA World Cup in 2030, the country is adopting technology and aligning it with national ambition.
Morocco’s 5G plan is deeply embedded in its broader Digital Morocco 2030 agenda, which includes connecting thousands of public institutions and millions of homes to fibre. It’s a national infrastructure overhaul aimed at unlocking new industries, attracting investment, and narrowing the digital divide.
At Techparley, we see Morocco’s 5G rollout as a signal of Africa’s accelerating digital shift. As other North African nations follow suit, the region is no longer on the sidelines, it’s actively shaping the next wave of connectivity, innovation, and economic transformation.
