Top 10 African Countries Internet Speed Rankings (2024)
Highest Internet Speeds in African Countries
| Rank | Country | Average Download Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 42.42 |
| 2 | Eswatini | 37.23 |
| 3 | Rwanda | 32.69 |
| 4 | Mauritius | 31.12 |
| 5 | Botswana | 29.52 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 27.62 |
| 7 | Madagascar | 22.57 |
| 8 | Lesotho | 20.71 |
| 9 | Seychelles | 20.09 |
| 10 | Morocco | 19.61 |
Data based on BestBroadbandDeals.co.uk analysis (July 2023 – June 2024)
The digital transformation sweeping across Africa has brought internet connectivity into sharp focus, with several nations making remarkable strides in delivering faster speeds to their populations. As the continent embraces the digital economy, internet infrastructure has become a critical determinant of economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness on the global stage.
Africa’s internet landscape reveals a continent at different stages of digital development. While some countries have achieved speeds comparable to global standards, others continue to grapple with infrastructure challenges that limit their digital potential. Understanding which African nations lead in internet connectivity provides insights into broader patterns of technological advancement and economic development across the continent.
South Africa: The Continental Leader
South Africa stands as the undisputed leader in internet speeds across Africa, recording an average download speed of 42.42 Mbps according to recent data. This performance is more than double that of Morocco, which sits at the bottom of the top ten rankings. The country’s dominance stems from decades of investment in telecommunications infrastructure, including extensive fiber-optic networks deployed in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Companies such as Telkom, MTN, and Vodacom have competed to expand high-speed internet access, driving innovation and improving service quality.
South Africa’s National Broadband Policy aims to achieve universal broadband access by 2030, with specific targets for digital inclusion in underserved communities. The country’s tech ecosystem, particularly in Cape Town which is sometimes called “Africa’s Silicon Valley,” has flourished thanks to reliable high-speed connectivity. This infrastructure supports thriving sectors including fintech, e-commerce, online media, and a growing startup scene that attracts international investment.
Southern Africa’s Digital Corridor
The data reveals that Southern African countries dominate the upper rankings, with Eswatini (37.23 Mbps), Botswana (29.52 Mbps), and Lesotho (20.71 Mbps) all featuring prominently. This regional clustering suggests coordinated infrastructure development and possibly shared undersea cable access points that serve the region. Eswatini’s strong performance at second place demonstrates that smaller nations can punch above their weight in digital infrastructure when strategic investments are made.
Botswana has made internet connectivity a national priority, recognizing it as essential for economic diversification beyond traditional mining sectors. The government’s smart cities initiative and investment in fiber networks have paid dividends, positioning the country among Africa’s digital leaders.
East African Progress: Rwanda and Mauritius
Rwanda at 32.69 Mbps and Mauritius at 31.12 Mbps showcase East Africa’s progress in digital infrastructure. Rwanda’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given its landlocked position and the challenges this presents for accessing undersea internet cables. The country has implemented ambitious ICT policies, making Kigali a regional tech hub with strong government support for digital innovation.
Mauritius has leveraged its strategic island location to become both a business hub and a leader in internet connectivity. With speeds topping 98 Mbps according to some measurements, the island nation has invested heavily in fiber-optic infrastructure and 4G coverage. Its Smart City initiative demonstrates how targeted government policy can rapidly improve digital infrastructure, supporting sectors like finance, tourism, and business process outsourcing.
The Digital Divide Persists
While the top performers showcase impressive speeds, significant disparities persist across the continent. The gap between South Africa’s 42.42 Mbps and Morocco’s 19.61 Mbps—over 22 Mbps—illustrates the uneven nature of Africa’s digital development. Countries at the lower end of rankings, including Sudan with just 4.02 Mbps, face substantial infrastructure challenges that limit economic opportunities and digital inclusion.
These disparities reflect broader issues of investment, geography, policy frameworks, and economic resources. Landlocked nations often struggle with higher costs to access international bandwidth through undersea cables, while countries with stable governance and open markets tend to attract more private sector investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
Infrastructure Investments Driving Change
The expansion of undersea fiber-optic cables has transformed bandwidth capacity for coastal African nations. Systems like SAT-3/WASC and newer cables including 2Africa have dramatically increased capacity while reducing latency and costs. These submarine cables serve as digital highways, funneling high-speed connectivity from global networks to African shores.
The rollout of 4G networks across the continent has provided another boost, with several countries now experimenting with 5G technology in urban centers. Mobile connectivity remains crucial in Africa, where smartphone penetration often exceeds fixed broadband infrastructure. This mobile-first approach has enabled millions of Africans to access the internet without requiring extensive landline infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
As Africa continues its digital transformation, internet speed will remain a critical factor in determining which nations can compete effectively in the global digital economy. Countries investing in fiber infrastructure, promoting competitive telecommunications markets, and implementing supportive policy frameworks are positioning themselves for sustained economic growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption across the continent, exposing both the potential and limitations of current infrastructure. Remote work, online education, telemedicine, and e-commerce all require reliable, high-speed internet connections. Nations that can deliver these capabilities will be better positioned to attract investment, retain talent, and participate fully in the global digital economy.
For Africa’s digital future, closing the connectivity gap between leading nations and those still struggling with basic internet access will be essential. This requires continued investment in infrastructure, supportive regulatory environments, and innovative approaches to extending connectivity to rural and underserved areas. As the data shows, when African nations prioritize digital infrastructure, significant progress is possible—offering hope that more countries will join the ranks of continental leaders in internet connectivity.
