In Africa, internet access is one of the major challenges that can prevent effective digital transformation. In that context, the Morrocan government wants to ensure that every region has access to that utility, even the most remote areas.  

Morocco will connect most of its national territory to the internet by the end of 2023, Digital Minister Ghita Mezzour (photo) recently revealed. 

Last Monday, while answering the House of Representatives' oral questions on internet connection in rural areas, the government official explained that 9,225 out of 10,740 zones have been connected to the internet during the first phase of the 2018-2023 national plan for the development of broadband and ultra-broadband connection.  The remaining 1515 will be connected by the end of 2023, she added revealing that the Ministry of Digital Transformation was already preparing the second phase of the project. The second phase will connect 1700 new zones, with a particular focus on poorly-covered regions.  

In recent years, Morocco has implemented numerous actions to boost internet access. According to Cable.co.uk’s “Worldwide broadband speed league 2022,” the country has the ninth fastest internet connection in Africa with mean download speeds of 13.03 megabits per second (Mbps).

During her oral session on December 26, Minister Ghita Mezzour also informed that the four technoparks operating in the country currently support 450 startups whose cumulative turnover is US$86 million. According to the official, 25% of the supported startups export their digital products.  

Samira Njoya