Latest news with #AzizAkhannouch
Morocco World
a day ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Akhannouch Reaffirms Government's Commitment to King's Development Vision
Morocco's Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch reaffirmed that that the government stands firmly aligned with King Mohammed VI's vision to push forward territorial development efforts across the country Speaking after the royal reception held today in M'diq to mark Throne Day, Akhannouch described the occasion as a meaningful celebration for all Moroccans. He said the anniversary offers a renewed opportunity to reflect on the key achievements and major projects carried out under the King's leadership, especially in the economic and social sectors. Akhannouch also drew attention to the content of the King's Throne Day speech, which he said lays out new directions for boosting territorial development. He stressed that the government remains fully mobilized to implement the royal strategies aimed at creating broader opportunities and improving conditions across Moroccan regions. The King's vision for territorial development In his speech on July 29, the King outlined a vision for territorial development across the country. The monarch called for moving from 'classic patterns of social development to an approach in terms of integrated territorial development.' He stressed that there is no place, neither today nor tomorrow, 'for a Morocco advancing at two speeds.' The King outlined four priority areas for new territorial development programs, including employment promotion through 'valorization of regional economic potential and the establishment of a climate favorable to entrepreneurship and local investment.' The second area concerns strengthening basic social services, particularly education and healthcare, 'to preserve the dignity of citizens and establish spatial justice.' The king also raised the need for a 'proactive water resource management in response to worsening water stress and climate change,' as well as 'launching integrated territorial upgrading projects in alignment with national mega-projects.' Tags: economic developmentKing Mohammed VITerritorial development
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Morocco to invest $8bln in 5G project
The Moroccan government has announced plans to invest 80 billion Moroccan dirhams ($8 billion) to deploy 5G technology across the country, with the goal of covering 85 percent of the population by 2030. The announcement came during the board meeting of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), held at the weekend in Rabat under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. The ambitious project will begin implementation by the end of 2025, with several major cities receiving 5G coverage in the initial phase. This initiative forms part of the broader 'Morocco Digital 2030' strategy, which aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation. During the meeting, ANRT Director General Azzelarab Hassibi presented the current state of telecommunications in Morocco. He noted that mobile phone services now reach 57 million subscribers, while internet users number approximately 40 million, representing a 90 percent penetration rate – significantly higher than the African continental average of 37 percent. The ANRT also announced an update to the National Frequency Plan to adapt to technological developments and support the country's socio-economic needs. The agency will continue implementing structural projects to extend high-speed internet access and fiber optic networks alongside the gradual introduction of 5G technology. This telecommunications expansion comes as the North African country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Akhannouch: Expanding Telecom Access Nationwide Is a National Priority
Rabat – Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, emphasized on Friday the urgent need to accelerate the expansion of telecommunications networks across the country, calling it a vital national priority that can no longer be delayed. Speaking at the board meeting of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) in Rabat, Akhannouch highlighted that, despite the progress achieved by telecom operators and regulatory bodies, large segments of the population — particularly in rural and mountainous regions — still lack reliable access to telecommunications services. 'Ensuring access to quality telecom services for all citizens is no longer optional — it is a pressing need that requires immediate action,' Akhannouch stated, underlining the role of connectivity in reducing regional and digital inequalities. He urged the ANRT and relevant ministries to identify underserved areas and work together to rapidly deploy telecom infrastructure that meets the needs of those communities. The government stands ready to fully support these efforts and mobilize the necessary resources to close the digital gap, he argued. Akhannouch also reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to a comprehensive digital transformation, guided by the national 'Morocco Digital 2030' strategy. He stressed that universal access to high-speed internet and digital tools is crucial for inclusive socio-economic development and for keeping pace with global technological shifts. Beyond service 'Telecommunications is not just a service — it's a driver of national development,' he said. 'It supports job creation, improves competitiveness across sectors, and lays the foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth.' He noted that Morocco has already made major strides, with over 57 million mobile subscribers and nearly 40 million internet users. These achievements have placed Morocco among the top-performing African countries in the International Telecommunication Union's ICT Development Index. Looking ahead, Akhannouch said that Morocco must be ready to meet the demands of upcoming international events it will host, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, by strengthening its telecom infrastructure and internet coverage. He confirmed that efforts are underway to connect more than 5.2 million households by 2030 through expanded fiber optic networks and high-speed internet access. In addition, the rollout of 5G is in progress, with tender procedures already launched to introduce the technology in key cities. Akhannouch concluded by commending the efforts of telecom operators who continue to invest and innovate in the sector. He called on all stakeholders to remain committed to building a more connected, digitally inclusive Morocco. Despite significant progress in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, Morocco still has many remote villages, particularly in mountainous and rural areas, that remain without basic connectivity or internet access. These underserved regions face ongoing challenges in accessing essential digital services, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive network coverage to ensure that all citizens benefit equally from the country's digital transformation efforts. Tags: akhannouchConnectivitymorocco ANRT
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco to Invest $8 Billion for 85% 5G Coverage by 2030
Marrakech – The Moroccan government has announced plans to invest MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) to deploy 5G technology across the country, with the goal of covering 85% of the population by 2030. The announcement came during the board meeting of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), held Friday in Rabat under the chairmanship of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. The ambitious project will begin implementation by the end of 2025, with several major cities receiving 5G coverage in the initial phase. This initiative forms part of the broader 'Morocco Digital 2030' strategy, which aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation. During the meeting, ANRT Director General Azzelarab Hassibi presented the current state of telecommunications in Morocco. He noted that mobile phone services now reach 57 million subscribers, while internet users number approximately 40 million, representing a 90% penetration rate – significantly higher than the African continental average of 37%. These advancements have positioned Morocco as the leading African country in the 2025 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rankings according to the Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI). The board meeting also addressed territorial disparities in telecommunications coverage. Akhannouch stressed the importance of ensuring network coverage throughout the entire country, particularly in mountainous regions. He instructed the ANRT to identify areas with limited or no coverage and to coordinate with relevant government departments and the private sector to provide citizens with reliable, high-quality telecommunications services. As part of this effort, the board approved a national survey to identify remote localities suffering from weak or non-existent telecommunications coverage. These areas will be progressively integrated into a targeted deployment program. Additionally, the ANRT announced an update to the National Frequency Plan to adapt to technological developments and support the country's socio-economic needs. The agency will continue implementing structural projects to extend high-speed internet access and fiber optic networks alongside the gradual introduction of 5G technology. This telecommunications expansion comes as the North African country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. These events demand strong digital infrastructure to enable global media access and enrich visitor experience, as Morocco works to close the digital gap and improve development indicators. Tags: 5G5G technology Moroccointernet in MoroccoMorocco Digital Plan 2020
Maroc
7 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco Seals Agreement to Invest MAD 38 Bln in Airport Infrastructure
In a bid to bolster Morocco's airport infrastructure, Morocco's Government and the Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA), sealed, on Thursday in Rabat, a memorandum of understanding covering the 2025-2030 period, for a total investment of MAD 38 billion. Under this strategic agreement, whose signing ceremony was chaired by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, the airport capacity in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez will be expanded, and a new HUB terminal and runway will be built at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, at a cost of MAD 25 billion, according to a press release from the Head of Government's office. The same source added that MAD 13 billion will also be allocated to maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition, ensuring the agility and longevity of the network. ONDA is committed to embodying a new generation of public service, focused on excellence, innovation, and positive impact. On this occasion, Akhannouch stated that this agreement falls within the framework of supporting the development momentum and preparing the air transport sector to be at the level of the country's ambitions and the challenges it is set to face in the coming years, thanks to the Enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him. The government chief also stressed that this agreement is set to bolster the progress that elevated Morocco to the rank of a regional platform and international air hub, as well as contribute to providing the Kingdom with a modern and performing infrastructure at the service of economic growth, territorial integration and social inclusion, in execution of High Royal Guidelines. The agreement is also set to lay the foundation for a modern, resilient and sustainable airport model, in keeping with the 'Airport 2030' strategy, designed to support the rise in power of Morocco's flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc, handle air traffic growth and strengthen airport infrastructure, as a key lever to develop several sectors, particularly tourism, in view of the Kingdom's hosting of the FIFA World Cup and Morocco's post-2030 outlook. The agreement was inked by the Minister of Tourism, Handicraft, and Social and Solidarity Economy, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, as well as the Director General of the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Participation and the Director General of ONDA. MAP: 24 July 2025
