Morocco-based Maroc Telecom announced on Saturday it has secured two loans from World Bank Group’s IFC worth EUR370 million (US$425.1 million) to help finance 4G rollouts in Chad and Mali.

Maroc Telecom said the loans will enable its subsidiary operators in those countries – Moov Africa Chad and Moov Africa Malitel – to roll out 4G services, bringing faster, more reliable internet to more people and businesses across both countries. The telco didn’t specify how the loans would be split between Chad and Mali.

“In all our operations, mobile data is key to access internet, and 4G services are helping to reduce the digital divide,” said Maroc Telecom CEO Mohamed Benchaaboun in a statement. “This long-term financial partnership with IFC in Chad and Mali will boost network coverage with a better quality of service, allowing massive adoption of 4G and supporting the countries’ development.”

Benchaaboun added that the IFC loans would also provide opportunities to enhance the portfolio of offers and services, such as mobile money, which is critical for financial inclusion.

IFC managing director Makhtar Diop said that supporting cross-border investments through regional companies like Maroc Telecom is a strategic priority for IFC, especially in fragile and conflict-affected areas, where economic development can foster stability.

He also said investments align with the African Union’s ambition to build a secure single digital market in Africa by 2030. “By mobilizing private capital to expand digital infrastructure, we’re unlocking opportunities for innovation, skills development, and job creation across Africa.”

Maroc Telecom says it has over 57 million customers outside of Morocco. Apart from Chad and Mali, Maroc Telecom has operations in Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Mauritania, Niger and Togo.