5G, Fiber, and the Future of Telecom in Northern Africa

From Tunisia’s recent 5G launch to the rapid expansion of fiber networks in Morocco and Algeria, Northern Africa’s telecom landscape is undergoing a major transformation, reaching key milestones in connectivity and innovation. As the region embraces next-generation technologies, questions arise about the pace of 5G deployment, the expansion of internet infrastructure, and the optimal strategies to increase connectivity. How are governments and operators navigating this fast-evolving landscape? What challenges and prospects lie ahead? Let’s dive into the key trends driving Northern Africa’s telecom sector and explore what the future holds for its mobile and broadband markets. Infrastructure Development: 5G & FTTH on the Rise 5G is Live in Northern Africa! Northern Africa has entered the 5G era, with Tunisia taking the lead as the first country in the region to launch the technology in February 2025. The Tunisian government granted licenses to Tunisie Telecom, Ooredoo, and Orange, allowing for widespread 5G deployment beyond the capital. Direct revenue gains from 5G are expected to remain moderate due to minimal price differences between 4G and 5G plans. Some operators, such as Ooredoo, are even migrating customers to 5G at no extra cost to encourage adoption. Meanwhile, Morocco is preparing to launch 5G between late 2025 and early 2026, aligning its rollout with the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The country has ambitious coverage goals, aiming for 25% population penetration by 2026 and expanding to 70% by 2030 - a strategic move ahead of its FIFA World Cup hosting duties. In contrast, Algeria has yet to introduce a concrete 5G roadmap. With its vast geographic expanse and ongoing efforts to expand 4G coverage, the country remains focused on strengthening existing mobile networks before making the leap to next-generation connectivity. Fiber Expansion: Morocco & Algeria Leading the Charge In addition to 5G the region’s fixed broadband infrastructure is also undergoing significant changes, with fiber technology gaining momentum. Morocco has emerged as a co-leader (with its Algerian neighbour) in FTTH adoption, surpassing 1 million fiber subscribers by the end of 2024. This marks a major shift, as fiber now represents 40% of fixed broadband connections, compared to just 10% four years ago. The Moroccan government aims to extend fiber connectivity to 5.6 million homes by 2030, backed by a $1 billion investment under its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy. However, given the current pace of fiber expansion, achieving this target will require significant acceleration. Algeria has also made substantial progress, with FTTx subscribers growing by 1 million in just two years to reach 1.5 million by 2024. Fiber connections now account for 37% of the country’s fixed-wired internet, further emphasizing the shift toward high-speed broadband. By the end of 2024, Morocco's fixed internet household penetration reached...