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According to the latest data released in February 2026, Morocco now holds the title of the fastest mobile network in Africa, with a median download speed of 124.32 Mbps. This surge is attributed to the strategic “Digital Morocco 2030” roadmap and the immediate impact of ultra-high-speed 5G tests across major urban hubs.
Fastest Global Rise in Mobile Performance
Analysts highlight that Morocco’s year-on-year jump is the largest recorded globally in 2025. While many markets showed stability, Morocco’s decision to deploy 5G simultaneously across its three main operators—Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, and inwi—pushed national median speeds to unprecedented levels.
| African Ranking | Country | Global Rank | Median Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 39th | 124.32 |
| 2 | South Africa | 64th | 65.70 |
| 3 | Tunisia | 72nd | 57.30 |
| 4 | Algeria | 78th | 53.62 |
Gulf Countries Maintain Regional Dominance
While Morocco leads the continent, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remain the global pace-setters. The UAE secured the #1 spot globally with speeds reaching 686.12 Mbps, followed closely by Qatar and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia also entered the global top 10, ranking 9th as its “Vision 2030” investments bear fruit.
Strategic Deployment for Major Events
The timing of the 5G rollout was not accidental. With Morocco hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 and co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) prioritized high-density areas including eight major cities and international airports. This infrastructure ensures high-quality broadcasting and seamless connectivity for the millions of visitors expected during these mega-events.
Fixed Broadband Progress
Morocco also saw gains in fixed internet, rising 11 places to 105th globally with a median speed of 56.27 Mbps. This growth is driven by the steady decommissioning of copper lines in favor of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) expansion, which is projected to reach 5.6 million homes by 2030.
What it means for Morocco
This rapid ascent highlights the immediate economic impact of 5G. Beyond faster social media, improved network performance strengthens Morocco’s position for Industry 4.0, digital health, and smart city initiatives in Casablanca and Tangier. As 5G adoption matures, the focus will shift toward maintaining network capacity as usage surges across the Kingdom.

