GITEX Africa 2026: inwi Deploys Morocco’s First Private Industrial 5G Network
Marrakech – Moroccan telecom operator inwi announced the deployment of the country’s first private 5G network for industrial use on the sidelines of GITEX Africa 2026. The network will serve one of Africa’s largest factories, a 52-hectare industrial site located in Morocco’s Oriental region.
The project is the result of a partnership between inwi and China Mobile International, one of the world’s leading telecom companies. Under the agreement, inwi will handle the design, deployment, and operation of the private 5G network for one of China Mobile International’s major clients in the region.
The factory aims to become a continental reference in Industry 4.0. It is designed as a highly automated and digitalized industrial platform that will integrate advanced technologies to optimize operational performance.
inwi will mobilize fully dedicated and privatized connectivity resources along with operator-grade expertise to cover the entire industrial site. The infrastructure will deliver ultra-low latency, high stability, elevated throughput, and dynamic quality of service adapted to critical industrial applications.
The private 5G network will also pave the way for large-scale deployment of advanced IoT solutions and intelligent industrial control systems. These capabilities are expected to make the factory a model of productivity and efficiency on the continent.
For this project, inwi is also relying on its partnership with Huawei. The two companies have jointly built a full suite of private 5G solutions and services targeting Moroccan businesses across several sectors, including mining, renewable energy, agriculture, and logistics.
The deployment represents the first implementation of private 5G in Morocco and one of the most ambitious Industry 4.0 initiatives in Africa. It sets new standards in connectivity, performance, and industrial automation.
The announcement came as inwi is participating in the fourth edition of GITEX Africa, held in Marrakech from April 7 to 9. The event is Africa’s largest technology and startup gathering, covering sectors from AI and cybersecurity to telecom and fintech.
Morocco officially launched its 5G networks on November 7, 2025, with all three operators – Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, and inwi – activating services simultaneously.
Under their license terms, operators must cover 45% of the population by the end of 2026 and 85% by 2030. The rollout is part of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, backed by MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) in planned investment through 2035.
On the sidelines of the event, inwi also signed a partnership agreement with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region (CCIS-RSK). The deal aims to accelerate the digital transformation of merchants and small and medium enterprises in the region by providing access to affordable digital solutions.
Under the agreement, inwi will offer CCIS-RSK member businesses preferential rates on mobile, fixed-line, and internet services. The operator will also provide a multichannel support system tailored to the needs of individual entrepreneurs.
Beyond connectivity, the partnership includes joint training sessions for business leaders and their teams. The sessions will cover cloud computing, hosting, cybersecurity for SMEs, and digital payment solutions, including inwi Money.
inwi said it intends to replicate this model with chambers of commerce in other regions across Morocco. The operator framed the initiative as part of its broader commitment to supporting territorial economic development alongside institutional partners.
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