At a Glance
- Mauritius tops Africa with an internet speed of 97.31 Mbps, driving its Smart City initiative.
- South Africa boasts robust fiber networks, supporting e-commerce, fintech, and media growth.
- Kenya leads East Africa’s digital economy with extensive 4G and fiber connectivity.
In 2024, several African nations are making notable strides in internet speed and reliability, despite facing challenges such as policy issues, infrastructure gaps, and high costs.
With increasing mobile penetration and a young, tech-savvy population, many countries focus on improving internet connectivity to drive economic growth and development.
A fast and dependable internet connection is critical to business, education, communication, and leisure, particularly in developing regions like Africa. 
While the continent has traditionally lagged behind other regions in tech advancements, significant progress is being made. Mobile internet services are expanding rapidly, and internet adoption is steadily increasing.
The Internet has become an essential infrastructure for Africa’s growing digital economy. With sectors like e-commerce, online education, and remote work gaining traction, having access to reliable and fast internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Many African nations are investing heavily in their telecom infrastructure, each making strides in connectivity and digital services.
Shore Africa’s 2024 report on internet speed and reliability identifies the top 10 countries leading the charge in Africa’s digital transformation.
These nations are overcoming challenges and making meaningful progress to ensure that their populations have access to the internet services they need to thrive in a modern, global economy.
- Mauritius
Mauritius continues to set the benchmark for internet connectivity in Africa, boasting an average speed of 97.31 Mbps. Strategic investments in high-speed internet, particularly through its Smart City initiative, have expanded fiber networks and 4G coverage.
These efforts support key industries like finance, tourism, and digital services, driving e-commerce and attracting global investment. With growing international interest, Mauritius’ digital transformation enhances its role as a tech hub and improves citizens’ quality of life.
- South Africa
South Africa, Africa’s most connected nation, ranks second with an average internet speed of 52.69 Mbps. Its robust fiber networks and widespread mobile broadband fuel thriving fintech, e-commerce, and media sectors. The National Broadband Policy targets universal access by 2030, driving digital inclusion and reinforcing South Africa’s leadership on the continent. - Morocco
Morocco ranks third with an average internet speed of 42.58 Mbps, driven by substantial investments in fiber optics and 4G. The Digital Development Agency leads efforts to enhance accessibility, fueling the nation’s booming digital economy. High-speed connectivity powers online education, health tech, and digital content creation, benefiting both urban and rural communities. - Kenya
Kenya, East Africa’s tech hub, ranks fourth with an average internet speed of 30.36 Mbps. Nairobi, known as “Silicon Savannah,” hosts a thriving tech ecosystem featuring Safaricom and M-Pesa. Robust 4G and fiber networks, guided by the Digital Economy Blueprint, drive fintech, e-commerce, and mobile banking growth. This connectivity cements Kenya’s leadership in digital finance and innovation, fueling sustainable economic development. - Namibia
Namibia ranks fifth in Africa with an average internet speed of 28.79 Mbps, among Southern Africa’s highest. Focused on digital inclusion, the country has expanded access in urban and rural areas. Investments in fiber networks and global tech partnerships have strengthened telecom infrastructure, fueling e-commerce, digital content, and remote work. Namibia’s Vision 2030 plan further positions ICT as a cornerstone of economic growth. - Tunisia
Tunisia ranks sixth with an average internet speed of 26.16 Mbps, driven by significant investment in digital infrastructure. The Ministry of Communication Technologies prioritizes connectivity to attract foreign investment and boost local industries. Improved internet access powers the growing tech sector and expands digital services in education, remote work, and tourism. Efforts to bring high-speed internet to rural areas further advance Tunisia’s digital inclusion. - Egypt
Egypt, a key North African tech hub, ranks seventh with 25.01 Mbps average speed. The Digital Egypt strategy is enhancing connectivity through fiber and 4G investments, boosting e-government, online banking, and a growing startup ecosystem. With a focus on digital inclusion and tech education, Egypt is set for sustained digital economy growth. - Algeria
Algeria’s internet speed averages 23.56 Mbps, reflecting significant investments in fiber optics and satellite technology. These efforts enhance connectivity in education, e-commerce, and government services, fueling a thriving startup ecosystem and empowering citizens to innovate and drive new business opportunities. - Tanzania
Tanzania has made significant progress in expanding internet access, with an average speed of 22.58 Mbps. Investments in the National ICT Broadband Backbone are enhancing infrastructure, especially in cities like Dar es Salaam. This connectivity supports telemedicine, e-commerce, and online education. With plans to expand fiber optic networks, Tanzania’s digital ecosystem is set to grow, benefiting both urban and rural areas. - Nigeria
Nigeria’s internet speed of 18.44 Mbps shows steady progress in digital infrastructure. With tech hubs like Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria is heavily investing in broadband, aiming for 90% penetration by 2025 through the National Broadband Plan. E-commerce, fintech, and media industries benefit from improved connectivity, though demand for faster speeds grows as the digital market expands.
The bigger picture
Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating as nations invest in faster, more reliable internet. These ten countries showcase the continent’s commitment to using connectivity for economic growth, innovation, and improved living standards. With rising mobile penetration and increasing internet adoption, Africa’s digital landscape is set for continued expansion, driven by both governments and the private sector to ensure global competitiveness.
