Maroc Telecom Pays Record MAD 6.4 Billion in Damages to Wana Corporate for Unfair Competition

In a landmark settlement, Maroc Telecom, Morocco’s largest telecommunications operator, has agreed to pay MAD 6.4 billion (approximately $640 million) to rival Wana Corporate (operating under the Inwi brand). The payment stems from a prolonged legal battle over unfair competition practices that have deeply impacted the country’s telecom sector.

Initially, Maroc Telecom had signaled its intent to challenge the ruling in the Court of Cassation, Morocco’s highest judicial authority. However, the company has now opted to settle the fine, marking a significant turn of events in this high-profile dispute. The decision to move forward with the payment suggests a strategic pivot for Maroc Telecom, prioritizing stability and potentially closing one of the country’s most notable corporate legal battles.

This unprecedented fine—accounting for 17% of Maroc Telecom’s 2023 revenue—sets a record in Morocco’s telecommunications history. It not only eclipses the company’s MAD 6.1 billion profit from 2022 but also signifies a turning point in how competition is regulated in Morocco’s telecom market.

The ruling, along with the hefty penalty, signals a broader shift toward stricter enforcement of fair competition laws in the country, a move that could reshape Morocco’s telecommunications landscape moving forward.