Ookla: Morocco’s Broadband Growth for AFCON
Global connectivity intelligence firm Ookla has published a detailed analysis of Morocco’s fixed network performance.
The report provides a timely perspective on the country’s digital readiness ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
It explores fixed broadband coverage in major tourist hubs and assesses Wi-Fi speeds in the nation’s leading hotels.
The new research is particularly significant as Morocco prepares for a surge in international visitors during both the summer tourism season and AFCON 2025. The findings highlight the country’s digital infrastructure improvements and the growing importance of reliable internet connectivity in hospitality and event planning.
Fibre deployment fuelling fixed broadband expansion
The report highlights notable progress in Morocco’s fixed broadband landscape, largely attributed to the accelerated rollout of fibre optic infrastructure. According to the national telecom regulator, ANRT, the number of fixed broadband connections rose from just over 1.6 million in 2019 to nearly 2.6 million by September 2024.
Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, stated: “Our analysis reveals the ongoing transformation of Morocco’s digital infrastructure, which will play a crucial role in supporting the influx of tourists and international events such as the African Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“With continued investment in fibre and the upcoming 5G rollout, Morocco is boosting its appeal as a tourist destination, especially for travellers who prioritise seamless online access.”
Strong speeds in major cities
Speedtest Intelligence data points to Rabat and Casablanca as the top-performing cities regarding median fixed broadband speeds.
In Q4 2024, Rabat recorded a median speed of 36.55 Mbps, closely followed by Casablanca at 35.57 Mbps. The figures reflect robust progress in urban connectivity, laying a solid groundwork for digital services during high-traffic periods.
Luxury hotels deliver high-speed Wi-Fi
While broadband infrastructure varies across the country, several luxury hotels in Agadir and Marrakesh deliver exceptional Wi-Fi services. According to the report, The View (Rabat), Hotel Riu Palace Tikida (Agadir) and La Mamounia (Marrakesh) recorded median download speeds of 72.27 Mbps, 55.72 Mbps and 54.64 Mbps, respectively.
Interestingly, hotels in cities with lower overall broadband speeds have outperformed peers in cities like Rabat and Casablanca, where fixed broadband is generally stronger. The discrepancy is attributed to localised issues within hotel properties, such as outdated or poorly configured access points.
Connectivity gaps in premium properties
Despite widespread fibre connectivity, some five-star hotels in Casablanca and Rabat reportedly struggle to deliver high-quality Wi-Fi. While these properties likely have access to high-speed broadband, performance is limited by factors such as access point placement, signal congestion and ageing hardware.
Ookla suggests that basic optimisation measures, including repositioning equipment and modernising in-room networking technology, could significantly improve performance.
For hoteliers, investing in stronger digital infrastructure presents a clear opportunity to enhance guest satisfaction and gain a competitive advantage.
Government strategy driving sector growth
Morocco’s government has launched an ambitious roadmap to modernise the country’s digital ecosystem further. The ‘Maroc Digital 2030’ strategy, backed by a US$1bn investment, targets connecting 4.4 million households to fibre by the end of 2025 and extending this to 5.6 million homes and 6,300 government facilities by 2030.
Coupled with the anticipated launch of 5G services later in 2025, the initiatives expect to elevate the standard of internet connectivity across sectors, supporting digital transformation across tourism, hospitality and public services.
A digital foundation for global events
As Morocco prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for AFCON 2025 and, further ahead, the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the strength of its digital infrastructure will be tested like never before. The findings of Ookla’s latest report suggest the country is making meaningful strides in ensuring its networks are ready to meet international expectations.
For stakeholders in the tourism, hospitality and events sectors, the message is clear: reliable digital infrastructure is no longer optional—it is a core component of the visitor experience and an enabler of sustained growth.
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