Casablanca – Morocco has recorded one of the most significant improvements in mobile internet performance worldwide, following the commercial launch of fifth-generation (5G) mobile services in late 2025. According to the latest data from Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index, the country climbed 22 positions in the global mobile internet ranking within a single year, reaching 39th place by the end of 2025. This advancement places Morocco first in North Africa and among the fastest-improving markets across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

For several years, Morocco had occupied a middle position in regional connectivity rankings, showing steady but moderate progress. The introduction of 5G, however, has marked a turning point. While other North African countries also launched 5G services during 2025, Morocco’s performance gains were more pronounced, highlighting the impact of its deployment strategy and infrastructure investments.

5G as the primary driver of growth

The rollout of 5G in November 2025 played a central role in Morocco’s rapid rise in the rankings. According to Ookla, the early phase of 5G adoption typically results in a surge of ultra-high-speed tests conducted by users equipped with compatible devices. This statistical effect, observed in many markets, raises national median speeds and reflects the immediate appeal of new mobile technologies.

In Morocco’s case, the effect was particularly strong. The increase in 5G usage led to a noticeable improvement in median mobile download speeds, propelling the country ahead of regional peers such as Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. By comparison, Tunisia and Algeria each gained 11 places in the global ranking, while Egypt recorded only a modest improvement. These contrasts illustrate how differences in network capacity, spectrum availability, and rollout models can shape performance outcomes.

Regional context and comparison

Morocco’s progress stands out in a regional environment where changes in connectivity performance are often gradual. In North Africa, four of the five countries in the subregion launched 5G services during 2025, yet results varied widely. Tunisia, one of the earliest adopters, experienced uneven gains as its infrastructure struggled to keep pace with growing data consumption. Egypt’s progress remained constrained by limited bandwidth and capacity challenges. Algeria, which launched 5G later in the year, recorded improvements but remained behind Morocco in both regional and global rankings.

Across the wider MEA region, Gulf countries continue to dominate global connectivity performance. The United Arab Emirates consistently ranks among the world’s leaders, supported by advanced network architectures, multiband spectrum usage, and carrier aggregation technologies. Saudi Arabia also remains among the best-performing economies within the G20. While Morocco has not yet reached these levels, its rate of improvement places it among the most dynamic markets in the region.

Improvements in fixed broadband

Morocco’s connectivity gains are not limited to mobile services. The country also improved its position in fixed broadband performance, reflecting sustained investment in fiber-optic infrastructure. According to Ookla’s data, Morocco climbed 11 places in the global fixed broadband ranking, reaching 105th position by the end of 2025.

This improvement is linked to the accelerated rollout of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks during 2024 and 2025. By the fourth quarter of 2025, median fixed broadband download speeds in Morocco reached 56.27 megabits per second (Mbps). These figures indicate a gradual but consistent upgrade of national infrastructure, supporting higher data usage and more demanding digital services.

While Morocco’s fixed broadband performance still trails that of several regional peers, particularly in the Gulf, the pace of improvement suggests a narrowing gap and a stronger foundation for future growth.

Economic implications of 5g deployment

Beyond performance metrics, the expansion of 5G is widely viewed as a strategic economic lever for Morocco. Industry estimates suggest that the 5G market in the country could reach a value between $4 billion and $6 billion over the coming years, with a potential contribution of 1.5% to 2% to national gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.

The technology is expected to play a critical role in supporting sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, digital services, healthcare, and smart city development. Enhanced connectivity, lower latency, and higher data capacity could enable new business models, improve operational efficiency, and attract foreign investment, particularly in technology-driven industries.

Sustainability of performance gains

Despite the strong momentum recorded in 2025, analysts caution that some moderation in rankings could occur in 2026. The early stages of 5G deployment often produce temporary spikes in performance metrics, driven by early adopters and initial testing behavior. As usage becomes more widespread and network loads increase, maintaining high median speeds becomes more challenging.

The key issue moving forward will be the ability of Moroccan operators to sustain service quality in the face of rapidly rising data consumption. Continued investment in network expansion, capacity upgrades, and spectrum optimization will be essential to preserve recent gains.

Technology choices and infrastructure strategy

Morocco’s approach to 5G deployment appears to have contributed positively to its performance outcomes. Unlike some markets where 5G relies heavily on spectrum sharing with existing 4G networks—limiting potential speed improvements—Morocco seems to have favored a more robust architecture, allowing for greater performance gains and scalability.

However, infrastructure modernization is an ongoing process. To maintain its position among the top 40 global markets for mobile internet performance, Morocco will need to continue expanding fiber backhaul, increasing network density, and adopting advanced technologies such as network slicing and edge computing.

Outlook

Morocco’s rapid rise in global mobile internet rankings marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation. The combination of 5G deployment, fiber infrastructure expansion, and supportive regulatory frameworks has repositioned the Kingdom as a leading connectivity market in North Africa and a fast-improving player in the broader MEA region.

While challenges remain in sustaining performance gains and meeting growing demand, the trajectory suggests that Morocco has entered a new phase of digital development. If current investment levels and policy commitments are maintained, the country is well positioned to consolidate its role as a regional hub for digital connectivity and innovation in the years ahead.