Maroc Telecom loses appeal over $635m damages to Inwi
TLDR
- Maroc Telecom ordered to pay MAD6.3 billion compensation to Inwi for unfair competition practices in Moroccan market.
- Case initiated in 2021, with Inwi accusing Maroc Telecom of abusing dominant position leading to profit losses.
- Significant fine surpasses Maroc Telecom's 2023 net profit of MAD6.1 billion.
The Commercial Court of Appeal in Casablanca has upheld a previous ruling ordering Maroc Telecom to pay MAD6.3 billion ($635 million) in compensation to its competitor Wana Corporate, known commercially as Inwi, for unfair competition practices.
The case, which began in 2021, involved Inwi accusing Maroc Telecom of abusing its dominant position in the Moroccan market, resulting in profit losses for Inwi.
In January 2024, the Commercial Court of Rabat ordered Maroc Telecom to compensate Inwi. Maroc Telecom appealed the decision but has now lost the case in the appeals court. The fine exceeds Maroc Telecom's 2023 net profit of MAD6.1 billion ($615 million).
Key Takeaways
Maroc Telecom, the largest mobile operator in Morocco, held a 34.6% market share at the end of March 2024, according to statistics from market research company Omdia, a sister company of Connecting Africa. Orange Morocco followed closely with a 33.4% market share, while Inwi held third place with around 32%. In mid-2021, Maroc Telecom's market share was approximately 40%, compared to Inwi's 26%. However, over the years, competition among the three mobile operators has intensified, leading to a more balanced market distribution.
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