Latest news with #AbdeslamAhizoune
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Historic Social Agreement at Maroc Telecom Brings Wage Hikes, New Benefits
Doha – The National Telecommunications Union (SNT), affiliated with the Democratic Federation of Labor (FDT), has secured a substantial social agreement with Maroc Telecom management that improves working conditions and benefits for employees and retirees. This agreement marks a positive transformation within the company since Mohammed Benchaaboun took over as head of its collective management in March, ending Abdeslam Ahizoune's 27-year tenure that was marked by criticism for anti-competitive practices and labor disputes. The announcement followed a meeting between the union's Secretary General, Hamid Kejji, and the company's Human Resources Director on Friday. This discussion continued the social dialogue initiated during previous talks in April with Benchaaboun. Under the new agreement, employees will receive a general 5% wage increase with a minimum of MAD 500 ($50) monthly beginning in June. The education grant for employees' children rises by 50%, while the number of higher education scholarships for outstanding children of employees doubles to 20 annually. The company will reduce prices at its summer camps and vacation centers by 50%, with a minimum reduction of MAD 150 ($15). Maroc Telecom's contribution to private vacation center access has increased by 30%, reaching 130%, and now extends beyond summer months. Workers will also enjoy preferential rates at private sector vacation facilities outside peak season. The agreement extends health transport (ambulance) services to include retirees and establishes communication channels with retirees through a mobile application and a dedicated email address. Additionally, the budget for incentives has been increased for employees participating in sales operations, service expansion, and network connections. This agreement stands in stark contrast to previous management approaches. Labor representatives had previously criticized management practices within the company, pointing out long-standing issues where employees worked for 20 to 30 years without promotional opportunities. Union demands had consistently focused on fair wage adjustments and addressing stalled promotion files, particularly for long-serving staff members and those with advanced qualifications. Read also: Maroc Telecom Set to Vote on Governance Structure Overhaul The SNT praised this new agreement, stressing 'the positive momentum the company has experienced at various levels since the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Benchaaboun at the head of collective management.' The union noted his 'social awareness and unprecedented initiative toward telecommunications workers,' signaling a clear break from the management style of his predecessor, Ahizoune. As the leading union in the sector, the SNT pledged to continue defending workers' rights while engaging responsibly in projects aimed at strengthening Maroc Telecom's leadership. Their focus remains on improving services nationally and internationally while enhancing working and living conditions for employees and retirees. This agreement establishes a model for constructive social partnership between unions and management of major national institutions, introducing a fresh approach to professional relationships built on dialogue, collaboration, and responsibility. Tags: Maroc TelecomTelecommunications in Morocco
Morocco World
15-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ANRT Mandates Fiber Optic Network Sharing Among Telecom Operators
Doha – Morocco's National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) issued a groundbreaking decision on March 4, requiring telecom operators to share their fiber optic infrastructure. The decision, referenced as DG/05/2025, establishes new technical and pricing guidelines for infrastructure sharing among the country's three major operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi. Operators can function in two distinct capacities under the new framework: as Infrastructure Operators (IO) or Commercial Operators (CO). Infrastructure Operators must lease their networks to competitors, while Commercial Operators can provide services using their competitors' infrastructure, even in areas where they lack their own network coverage. The regulation mandates Infrastructure Operators to ensure non-discriminatory access and publish their pricing structures, including after-sales services. To streamline operations, the decision requires the implementation of web services to automate processes between Infrastructure and Commercial Operators, particularly for ordering and after-sales support. This initiative aims to avoid the complications previously experienced with copper network (ADSL) sharing and accelerate fiber optic deployment across Morocco. The decision shatters the decades-long current market dominance of Maroc Telecom, the historic operator. This shift comes as Mohamed Benchaaboun takes the helm, succeeding Abdeslam Ahizoune, whose 27-year tenure was marred by allegations of anti-competitive practices and monopolistic control that hindered sectoral growth. Read also: Morocco Speeds Up Technical Studies on Infrastructure to Prepare for World Cup 2030 Inwi has already taken the lead in implementing these changes, opening access to its FTTH (Fiber to the Home) infrastructure to competitors as of March 13. The other operators are expected to follow suit promptly. The regulatory change aligns with Morocco's Digital 2030 strategy, which targets increasing fiber-eligible households from 1.5 million in 2022 to 5.6 million by 2030. Currently, fiber subscribers number less than one million. The initiative is backed by substantial investment plans totaling MAD 20 billion ($2 billion). While current end-user pricing remains regulated by ANRT, industry sources indicate that gradual price reductions are anticipated as network coverage expands and infrastructure investments are optimized. The sharing mechanism is designed to prevent redundant infrastructure investments in the same areas, allowing operators to focus on different zones while maintaining service availability through infrastructure sharing. The decision also paves the way for the upcoming 5G network deployment, which requires robust fiber optic infrastructure. Industry observers expect 5G tender announcements during the upcoming GITEX Africa event in Marrakech next month. As of February, all operators have published their new technical and pricing offers on their respective websites, complying with ANRT's requirements. The measure is expected to enhance competition, expand national coverage, and eventually lead to more competitive pricing for consumers while optimizing the substantial infrastructure investments planned for the sector.
Arab News
26-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Maroc Telecom appoints former finance minister as chair
RABAT : The supervisory board of Maroc Telecom, Morocco's leading telecoms operator, appointed on Tuesday former finance minister Mohamed Benchaaboun as chair of the management board, replacing long-serving Abdeslam Ahizoune. Ahizoune led the company for 27 years as it expanded its operations in Africa with subsidiaries in Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Togo. The appointment came after the company was ordered to pay a fine of $630 million to its competitor Wana Corporate, better known by its brand name Inwi, for unfair competition practices. The fine exceeds Maroc Telecom's 2023 profit of 6.1 billion dirhams. Maroc Telecom, which is listed on the Casablanca stock exchange and on Euronext Paris, is 53 percent controlled by the UAE's Etisalat while the Moroccan state holds a 22 percent stake.
Reuters
25-02-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Maroc Telecom appoints former finance minister as chair
RABAT, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The supervisory board of Maroc Telecom, Morocco's leading telecoms operator, appointed on Tuesday former finance minister Mohamed Benchaaboun as chair of the management board, replacing long-serving Abdeslam Ahizoune. Ahizoune led the company for 27 years as it expanded its operations in Africa with subsidiaries in Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Togo. The appointment came after the company was ordered to pay a fine of $630 million to its competitor Wana Corporate, better known by its brand name Inwi, for unfair competition practices. The fine exceeds Maroc Telecom's 2023 profit of 6.1 billion dirhams. Maroc Telecom, which is listed on the Casablanca stock exchange and on Euronext Paris, is 53% controlled by the UAE's Etisalat while the Moroccan state holds a 22% stake.
