10 African Countries Ranked According to Mobile Internet Speed in 2023

In today’s digital age, mobile internet speed is a crucial factor in determining a country’s economic development and competitiveness. Africa is no exception to this trend, as mobile internet is becoming increasingly important in both urban and rural areas. With the continent experiencing rapid economic growth in recent years, countries that invest in fast and reliable mobile internet infrastructure will be better positioned to take advantage of the digital revolution. In this article, we will rank the top ten African countries according to their mobile internet speeds, using data from the Speedtest Global Index.

1. South Africa – 35.14 Mbps

South Africa has the fastest mobile internet speed on the continent, with an average download speed of 35.14 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its mobile infrastructure, including the deployment of 5G networks in major cities. South Africa’s government has also been proactive in creating policies that support the growth of the tech sector, including tax incentives for startups and increased investment in research and development.

2. Morocco – 32.73 Mbps

Morocco comes in second place with an average mobile internet speed of 32.73 Mbps. The country has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure, with the government launching a $1 billion project to expand broadband access across the country. The project has been successful, with Morocco now ranking among the top African countries in terms of internet penetration.

3. Mauritius – 23.15 Mbps

Mauritius, a small island nation off the coast of Africa, has an average mobile internet speed of 23.15 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its telecom infrastructure, including the deployment of a 4G LTE network. The government has also implemented policies that support the growth of the digital economy, including tax incentives for tech startups and a commitment to expanding access to digital services in rural areas.

4. Uganda – 23.07 Mbps

Uganda has an average mobile internet speed of 23.07 Mbps, making it one of the fastest countries in Africa in terms of internet speeds. The government has prioritised investments in digital infrastructure, with plans to deploy a 5G network in the coming years. Uganda’s tech sector has also been growing rapidly, with the country home to several successful tech startups.

5. Egypt – 22.93 Mbps

Egypt has an average mobile internet speed of 22.93 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its digital infrastructure, including the launch of a $1.6 billion project in 2018 to expand broadband access across the country. The government has also implemented policies that support the growth of the tech sector, including tax incentives for startups and increased investment in research and development.

6. Nigeria – 22.37 Mbps

Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, has an average mobile internet speed of 22.37 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its telecom infrastructure, including the deployment of a 4G LTE network in 2016. The government has also implemented policies that support the growth of the tech sector, including tax incentives for startups and increased investment in research and development.

7. Kenya – 22.28 Mbps

Kenya has an average mobile internet speed of 22.28 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its digital infrastructure, including the deployment of a 4G LTE network. The government has also implemented policies that support the growth of the tech sector, including tax incentives for startups and increased investment in research and development.

8. Tunisia – 22.16 Mbps

Tunisia has an average mobile internet speed of 22.16 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its digital infrastructure, including the deployment of a 4G LTE network in 2015. The government has also implemented policies that support the growth of the tech sector, including tax incentives for startups and increased investment in research and development. Tunisia has also been successful in attracting foreign investment in the tech sector, with major tech companies like Microsoft and Huawei establishing operations in the country.

9. Tanzania – 20.34 Mbps

Tanzania has an average mobile internet speed of 20.34 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its telecom infrastructure, including the deployment of a 4G LTE network in 2016. The government has also implemented policies that support the growth of the tech sector, including tax incentives for startups and increased investment in research and development. However, internet penetration in Tanzania remains relatively low, with only 13% of the population using the internet as of 2021.

10. Senegal – 19.96 Mbps

Senegal rounds out the top ten with an average mobile internet speed of 19.96 Mbps. The country has made significant investments in its digital infrastructure, including the deployment of a 4G LTE network in 2016. The government has also implemented policies that support the growth of the tech sector, including tax incentives for startups and increased investment in research and development. Senegal has also been successful in attracting foreign investment in the tech sector, with major tech companies like Google and Facebook establishing operations in the country.

All things considered, mobile internet speed is a critical factor in determining a country’s economic development and competitiveness in today’s digital age. African countries that invest in fast and reliable mobile internet infrastructure will be better positioned to take advantage of the digital revolution and drive economic growth. The top ten African countries in terms of mobile internet speed are South Africa, Morocco, Mauritius, Uganda, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Senegal. While these countries have made significant investments in their digital infrastructure and implemented policies that support the growth of the tech sector, there is still a long way to go in terms of expanding access to digital services in rural areas and increasing internet penetration across the continent.