According to Mr. Hmad Chafiai, CEO of INGECYS, telecom expert, and consultant at SMIAfrica.org, the strategic importance of modern technologies and their ability to drive social and economic development depends on internet coverage and connection quality, particularly in rural areas.
This correlation is becoming increasingly evident, especially as Morocco prepares to launch 5G services by 2026 to meet the demands of economic players, national institutions, and citizens.
As part of the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy, which aims to invigorate the digital economy by offering diverse cloud services while respecting national sovereignty and international standards, the plan seeks to address the needs of public and private sectors, civil society, and academic and research institutions.
Moreover, this strategy fully intends to meet the demands associated with organizing the World Cup.
Mr. Chafiai, who is also a member of the Federation of Information Technology, views the organization of the 2030 World Cup as a catalyst for accelerating modern communication technologies.
This global event presents a unique opportunity for Morocco to adopt advanced technologies and provide seamless, reliable, and secure communication solutions for all participants.
Mr. Chafiai also highlights the necessity of keeping pace with global technological advancements, particularly the emergence of 6G networks and the expansion of 5G in many countries. Hosting the World Cup offers Morocco an exceptional opportunity to accelerate the deployment of these technologies while establishing a suitable regulatory framework and fostering regional and international cooperation in this field.
Overcoming Structural and Financial Challenges
Despite these opportunities, Morocco faces significant challenges related to its technological infrastructure and financial constraints. In an international context marked by rapid technological advancement, including the rise of IoT networks and artificial intelligence, it is imperative for Morocco to integrate into this global movement. This requires overcoming territorial digital divides and ensuring equitable access to technologies across all regions of Morocco.
Governance and Regional Collaboration Issues
Mr. Chafiai emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships for 5G technology and the creation of specialized companies in this field. These partnerships could not only support national growth but also strengthen Morocco’s position as a successful model of advanced regionalization. He also advocates for active international cooperation, particularly in spectrum management and network licensing.
On a global level, Moroccan players in the telecommunications sector are closely monitoring 5G deployment worldwide and leveraging international experiences. These interactions enable Morocco to participate in discussions on regulations and technological standards within specialized organizations.
5G: A Tool for Innovative Development
With recognized Moroccan expertise, local companies have the potential to become leaders in offering 5G solutions regionally and internationally. This paves the way for a new era of « smart cities, » « smart factories, » and « smart buildings, » significantly improving citizens’ quality of life. However, massive investments remain necessary to ensure equitable coverage and prevent worsening digital disparities.
In conclusion, hosting the 2030 World Cup presents Morocco with a historic opportunity to accelerate its technological development, strengthen its digital sovereignty, and position itself as a key player in future technologies.
