Inwi rolls out Morocco’s first private industrial 5G at GITEX Africa 2026

Morocco is stepping up efforts to modernize its industrial base, betting on faster, more reliable connectivity to lift factory output and efficiency.

Officials and telecom operators see private 5G networks as a practical tool to help manufacturers automate processes and manage data in real time. 

The shift reflects a broader push to bring Industry 4.0 into everyday operations.

Companies are looking for ways to cut delays, improve quality control and respond faster to demand, especially as global competition tightens. 

That focus came into view at GITEX Africa 2026, where inwi introduced Morocco’s first private 5G network built for industrial use.

The rollout signals how local operators are moving beyond consumer services and into factory floors. 

The network will serve a 52-hectare industrial site in the Oriental region, one of the largest of its kind on the continent.

The facility is being developed as a highly automated plant, with systems designed to handle production, monitoring and logistics with limited manual input.

Built for factory floors 

The project brings together inwi, China Mobile International and Huawei.

Inwi will lead the design and day-to-day operation of the network, providing dedicated connectivity across the site. 

The private 5G setup is designed to deliver low latency and stable coverage—features that matter for time-sensitive tasks such as machine control and real-time monitoring.

It also supports connected sensors and industrial systems, helping managers track performance and address issues as they arise.

Part of a wider 5G rollout 

The launch comes as Morocco expands its national 5G coverage.

Since services went live in late 2025 with Maroc Telecom and Orange Maroc, operators have been working toward targets set by regulators, including reaching 45 percent of the population by 2026. 

The effort is tied to the government’s Digital Morocco 2030 plan, which includes billions of dollars in planned spending on infrastructure and digital services.

The aim is to make it easier for businesses, including smaller firms, to access tools such as cloud computing and secure payments.

Extending digital access 

On the sidelines of the event, inwi signed an agreement with a regional chamber of commerce to support small and medium-sized businesses.

The deal includes discounted telecom services, technical support and training in areas such as cybersecurity and digital payments. 

For manufacturers and service providers alike, the move toward private 5G reflects a simple shift: connectivity is no longer just about communication—it is becoming a core part of how businesses run and grow.