Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia are the African countries with the fastest mobile internet speeds in 2025, according to the latest Speedtest Global Index published by U.S.-based network performance company Ookla.
Morocco ranks first on the continent with an average mobile speed of 124.32 megabits per second (Mbps), placing it 39th globally. South Africa follows with 65.70 Mbps (64th globally), while Tunisia posts 57.30 Mbps, ranking 72nd worldwide.
The Speedtest Global Index evaluates mobile network performance using millions of tests conducted by real users. It measures download speeds, latency, and connection stability to provide a comparative ranking of countries’ mobile connectivity. Average download speed in Mbps is considered a key indicator of digital maturity and the robustness of mobile infrastructure.
Morocco Leads Africa
Morocco’s position at the top of Africa’s mobile internet rankings reflects significant investments in next-generation networks, including the accelerated deployment of 5G, as well as modernization of existing mobile infrastructure. Analysts say these efforts have boosted both speed and reliability for consumers and businesses.
“Morocco’s strong performance highlights the country’s commitment to digital infrastructure, which supports economic competitiveness and the growth of technology-driven services,” said a telecom analyst based in Rabat.
South Africa and Tunisia Follow
South Africa, a major regional digital hub, ranks second in Africa with 65.70 Mbps. The country benefits from substantial investments by leading telecom operators, a mature regulatory framework, and widespread adoption of 4G and 5G technologies.
Tunisia ranks third with 57.30 Mbps. The North African nation has steadily modernized its mobile networks, with operators including Orange Tunisie, Ooredoo, and Tunisie Télécom rolling out 5G services. Internationally financed projects to expand coverage and network capacity have supported this progress, according to industry reports.
Behind the top three, several African economies exhibit intermediate performance levels. Analysts say these results underline the uneven pace of digital transformation across the continent and the persistent gaps in network quality and investment.
Global Context: Gulf Countries Dominate
At the global level, Gulf countries continue to dominate mobile speed rankings. The United Arab Emirates tops the worldwide index with 686.12 Mbps, followed by Qatar at 593.34 Mbps, and Kuwait and Bahrain in subsequent positions. Early adoption of 5G, abundant spectrum availability, and advanced network infrastructure contribute to their leading positions.
Across Africa, experts say improving mobile internet speeds is increasingly linked to broader economic development, enabling digital services, fintech adoption, and foreign investment in technology sectors. Countries lagging in infrastructure risk falling behind in digital competitiveness.
The Ookla report highlights that while Africa has made significant strides, the continent’s mobile connectivity landscape remains highly uneven, with top performers like Morocco setting benchmarks for regional peers.
