Moroccan mobile network operators Maroc Telecom and Inwi have announced a strategic partnership aimed at significantly accelerating the deployment of fibre optic and telecom towers throughout Morocco.

Under the agreement, the two telecom giants will consolidate parts of their passive telecom assets by forming two equally owned joint ventures. The first, FiberCo, will focus on fibre optic network expansion, targeting one million fibre connections within the next two years, rising to three million within five years.

The second joint venture, TowerCo, is set to oversee the construction of 2,000 new towers within three years, expanding to a total of 6,000 over the next decade to support the nation’s growing 5G network.

The initial phase of the project is expected to require an investment of MAD4.4 billion (approximately US$457mn) over three years, pending approval from Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT).

Commenting on the agreement, Jassem Alzaabi, Chairman of e&, the parent company of Maroc Telecom, described the collaboration as ‘a significant step toward greater market stability and a reinforcement of Morocco’s attractiveness as an investment destination.’

Until today infrastructure sharing in Morocco has been limited and towercos have been unable to successfully enter. The move follows the trend of MENA mobile operators pursuing towerco-strategies on their own books.

This landmark collaboration underscores the evolving landscape of telecom infrastructure in Morocco, aligning with broader regional trends towards joint infrastructure ventures to manage costs and accelerate technology deployment.