RABAT – Morocco is set to launch a highly anticipated tender for the deployment of 5G bandwidth, drawing significant interest from both Chinese and Western technology firms, according to reports from Finance News Hebdo. The move underscores Morocco’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital connectivity.

Leading the pack is China’s Huawei, which already has established partnerships with local telecommunication operators Maroc Telecom and Orange Maroc. This existing foothold gives Huawei a competitive edge over Western rivals such as Nokia, Ericsson, and Oracle.

The successful bidder will face the formidable task of meeting the Moroccan government’s ambitious rollout targets. The government aims to provide 5G coverage to 25% of the population by 2026 and expand that to 70% by 2030, coinciding with the nation’s co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup.

A key component of this plan is ensuring full 5G coverage in the six cities slated to host World Cup matches. This initiative is crucial for delivering a seamless experience for both attendees and global viewers.

The promise of 5G technology is substantial, offering download speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G and reducing latency to a mere 1 millisecond. This leap in connectivity is expected to revolutionize various sectors, from business and education to entertainment and public services.

Morocco’s impressive internet penetration rate of 90.7%, one of the highest in Africa, provides a solid foundation for the successful implementation of 5G. This widespread connectivity will be instrumental in ensuring that the benefits of 5G reach a broad spectrum of the population.

The upcoming tender is poised to be a pivotal moment for Morocco’s telecommunications landscape, with the potential to significantly enhance its digital infrastructure and global competitiveness.