Countries
Morocco
Morocco’s internet governance reflects a mix of progress and challenges as the country navigates the digital landscape. The Moroccan government has made significant improvements in expanding internet access and promoting digital innovation, aiming to position itself as a regional hub for technology. Over the past decade, internet penetration has grown rapidly, with millions of citizens connected through both mobile and fixed-line networks. This progress is largely due to government initiatives focused on improving telecommunications infrastructure and promoting digital literacy. The regulatory framework for internet governance in Morocco is overseen by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT), which is responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector, including internet services.
Consult Morocco’s digital strategies and regulations
Internet governance
Internet governance in Morocco encompasses the frameworks, policies, and regulations that manage the development, use, and security of the internet within the country. The Moroccan government, alongside private sector entities, civil society organisations, and international partners, plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing these frameworks to promote digital inclusion, economic growth, and cybersecurity.
Key Components
Regulatory Framework
ANRT (National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency): ANRT is the central body responsible for regulating telecommunications and internet services in Morocco. It ensures compliance with national regulations, manages the allocation of radio frequencies, and promotes competition among telecom operators. ANRT’s regulatory role includes monitoring market practices, approving tariffs, and protecting consumer rights.
Telecommunications Law: Morocco’s Law No. 24-96, enacted in 1997, serves as the foundational legal framework for telecommunications. It has been amended multiple times to address evolving market needs and technological advancements. This law covers licensing requirements, the rights and obligations of service providers, and provisions for consumer protection.
Digital Infrastructure
Broadband Expansion: The Moroccan government has prioritised the expansion of broadband infrastructure to increase internet penetration. The ‘Maroc Digital 2020’ strategy aimed to provide high-speed internet access to 100% of the population. This involves extensive deployment of fiber optic networks, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
5G Implementation: Morocco is preparing for the introduction of 5G technology. The ANRT has initiated steps for the auctioning of 5G spectrum licenses, with the expectation that 5G will enhance internet speeds, support smart city initiatives, and boost industrial digitisation.
Digital strategies
Morocco has implemented several ambitious digital strategies to transform its economy, enhance governance, and improve public services through the integration of digital technologies.
The first significant strategy was Maroc Numeric 2013, launched in 2009. This strategy aimed to position Morocco as a regional digital hub by 2013. Its objectives included improving public service delivery through the digitisation of government services, supporting the growth of ICT companies, and enhancing broadband infrastructure. The strategy also focused on integrating ICT in education and workforce training. Specific programs such as the GENIE program aimed at equipping schools with digital tools and training teachers. Other initiatives like watiqa.ma facilitated online access to administrative services. This strategy also emphasised legal frameworks for digital trust, including data protection laws and the establishment of the Moroccan Computer Emergency Response Team (maCERT).
Building on the progress of Maroc Numeric 2013, the Maroc Digital 2020 strategy was launched to further establish Morocco as a competitive digital economy by 2020. This strategy sought to expand digital public services, improve access to digital technologies in rural areas, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. It also continued efforts to enhance cybersecurity and prepare for the rollout of 5G technology. Initiatives under this strategy aimed to bridge the digital divide and support digital startups and SMEs through funding and incubation programs.
The latest Digital Morocco 2030 strategy aims to solidify the country’s position as a digital economy hub by fostering startups, enhancing public service digitisation, and developing a skilled digital workforce. Key goals include creating 270,000 jobs, supporting AI and cloud infrastructure, and improving connectivity in rural areas. It also aims to train 100,000 digital professionals annually, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all citizens.
Cybersecurity
Morocco has recognised the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding its digital infrastructure and data. As a result, the country has developed a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy that addresses various aspects of digital security. This strategy focuses on creating a robust legal and regulatory framework, establishing specialised institutions, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness.
The cornerstone of this strategy is the establishment of a national cybersecurity agency tasked with overseeing and coordinating all cybersecurity efforts across different sectors. This agency plays a pivotal role in implementing the national strategy, ensuring that all public and private entities adhere to the prescribed cybersecurity standards and practices.
Legislative Framework
To support its cybersecurity strategy, Morocco has enacted several laws designed to enhance the security of its information systems and protect personal data. Law No. 05-20 on Cybersecurity provides the legal basis for protecting critical infrastructure and mandates that organisations implement specific security measures. This law also requires organisations to report cybersecurity incidents to the relevant authorities, thereby facilitating a coordinated response to cyber threats.
Additionally, Law No. 09-08 on the protection of personal data sets out the requirements for handling individuals’ information securely. This law aims to protect citizens’ privacy and ensure that their data is processed in accordance with strict security standards.
Institutional Framework
The Directorate General of Information Systems Security (DGSSI) is the primary body responsible for defining and implementing Morocco’s national policies on information systems security. The DGSSI works closely with various government agencies and private sector entities to ensure that cybersecurity measures are effectively implemented and maintained.
Another key institution is the Moroccan Computer Emergency Response Team (maCERT), which is responsible for responding to and mitigating cybersecurity incidents. maCERT plays a crucial role in monitoring the threat landscape, coordinating responses to cyber incidents, and providing guidance on best practices for cybersecurity.
Capacity Building and Awareness
Morocco places a strong emphasis on building cybersecurity capacity and raising awareness among its citizens and businesses. The country has implemented various training programs aimed at developing the skills of cybersecurity professionals and enhancing the knowledge of existing IT staff. These programs are designed to ensure that Morocco has a pool of qualified experts capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by cyber threats.
Public awareness campaigns are also a key component of Morocco’s cybersecurity strategy. These campaigns aim to educate citizens and businesses about the risks associated with cyber threats and the importance of adopting best practices for cybersecurity. By raising awareness, Morocco hopes to create a more security-conscious society that is better equipped to defend against cyber attacks.
AI strategies and policies
The Al-Khawarizmi Program is a pivotal initiative by the Moroccan government aimed at accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and fostering innovation within the country. Named after the legendary mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, the program reflects Morocco’s dedication to leveraging AI and other advanced technologies to drive economic growth and societal progress.
Objectives and Goals
The primary objectives of the Al-Khawarizmi Program are to enhance AI literacy and skills among Moroccan citizens, promote AI research and innovation, foster a competitive AI ecosystem, and integrate AI into government services to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Key Components
The program is structured around several key components designed to address various aspects of AI development and integration.
In terms of AI education and training, the Al-Khawarizmi Program emphasizes the importance of incorporating AI and machine learning into school and university curricula. It offers specialized AI training programs and certifications to equip the workforce with essential AI skills. Additionally, the program establishes partnerships with international educational institutions to provide world-class AI education.
To drive AI innovation, the program supports research and development (R&D) in AI and related fields such as data science and robotics. It fosters collaboration between universities, research centers, and the private sector to create a culture of AI innovation. Funding for AI research projects and startups is provided through grants and venture capital to stimulate growth and innovation.
The program aims to build robust digital infrastructure to support AI development. This includes expanding high-speed internet access to facilitate AI applications, developing data centers and cloud computing facilities to support AI services, and implementing smart city technologies that leverage AI to enhance urban living.
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Angola
Angola has invested heavily in improving its internet infrastructure. The country is connected to the global internet via several submarine cables, including SAT-3/WASC, WACS, and the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) linking Angola directly to Brazil. This enhancement in infrastructure has contributed to increased internet speeds and lower costs. Despite these advancements, internet penetration remains relatively low compared to global standards, with urban areas enjoying significantly better connectivity than rural regions.
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Suriname
Suriname’s approach to internet regulation is characterised by a relatively open environment with minimal restrictions on access and content. The government generally upholds freedom of speech and press, and there are no widespread reports of systematic monitoring of online communications without judicial oversight. However, in February 2023, during protests over rising living costs, the government temporarily restricted access to social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. These restrictions were lifted the following day.
In terms of cybersecurity, Suriname has enacted specific legislation addressing cybercrime through its Criminal Code. Despite this, the country lacks a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy and has limited frameworks for implementing internationally recognised cybersecurity standards.
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South Africa
In 2025, South Africa’s G20 Presidency put AI and tech issues high on the G20 agenda, focusing on linking technological changes with Africa’s development. It will reinforce South Africa’s role as one of the continental tech engines.
South Africa is a leader in the fintech sector in Africa. Innovations in mobile money, online banking, and financial services are prominent. According to a report published by Research and Markets, the country has been internationally recognised for having one of the most sophisticated financial sectors, generating approximately 40% of all fintech revenue in Africa.
South Africa has invested significantly in improving its digital infrastructure. The rollout of fibre-optic cables and the expansion of 4G LTE networks across urban and semi-urban areas have been pivotal. The government and private companies are pushing towards enhancing 5G technology, which promises to revolutionise various sectors through improved connectivity and speed.
South Africa has been taking steps towards developing a clear national AI strategy. The country has established the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa and is working on introducing a tailored national strategy and appropriate regulations to ensure the ethical use of AI.
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Somalia
Somalia’s digital infrastructure is regulated by the National Communications Authority (NCA), which oversees telecommunications, spectrum management, satellite licensing, and emerging technologies. Since the implementation of the 2017 Communications Act, the country has made substantial progress in building institutional capacity, including the establishment of a national 5G framework, submarine cable regulations, and a national spectrum monitoring centre. The private sector, particularly operators like Hormuud Telecom, plays a leading role in providing nationwide mobile network coverage and expanding broadband access through fibre and wireless technologies.
The digital economy is primarily supported by a well-developed mobile money ecosystem. Services such as EVC-Plus, Sahal, and WAAFI are widely used for domestic transactions, including retail, salary payments, and government services. According to the World Bank and the Central Bank of Somalia, mobile money accounts for over 70 percent of all financial transactions in the country. In parallel, formal banking systems have adopted real-time gross settlement and instant payment services, supported by public–private collaboration and regulatory modernisation.
The ICT and digital economy sector contributes an estimated 11 percent to Somalia’s gross domestic product. This includes telecommunications, digital financial services, and emerging e-commerce platforms. The government has initiated reforms to strengthen digital governance, such as the Data Protection Act (2023), the national instant payments system (SPS), and the ongoing development of a national cybersecurity strategy. While digital uptake is high in urban centres, challenges remain in rural access, infrastructure reliability, and institutional capacity. Nonetheless, Somalia continues to make measurable progress in integrating digital technologies into its broader development agenda.
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Benin
Benin is a regional leader in public sector digital maturity. According to the 2023 World Bank GovTech Maturity Index, the country scored an impressive 68/100 on the Public Service Delivery Index (PSDI)—the highest among WAEMU member states—reflecting well-developed one‑stop portals, e‑payment systems, and tax filings via its service‑public.bj platform. Benin migrated from Group C to Group B in GTMI, showing “significant focus” in digital transformation with core government systems score of 0.645, GovTech enablers at 0.667, and an overall GTMI of 0.678.
In artificial intelligence readiness, Benin ranks among the top five in Sub‑Saharan Africa, trailing only behind Mauritius, South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal according to the Government AI Readiness Index. Its readiness score of approximately 41.4 demonstrates that Benin is a pioneer among lower-middle-income countries in adopting AI strategy, legal frameworks, and public-sector innovation planning.
These strengths reflect Benin’s strong institutional architecture, notably ASIN’s leadership, and its proactive rollout of foundational digital infrastructure—such as interoperability platforms, digital identity services, and PKI—alongside targeted initiatives like the National AI Strategy (SNIAM 2023–2027). Together, these elements position Benin as a standout performer in both GovTech transformation and national AI preparedness in West Africa.
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Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire has positioned itself as a digital leader in West Africa, supported by significant investments in broadband infrastructure, submarine connectivity, and mobile financial services. The country is connected to multiple high-capacity submarine cables—WACS, MainOne, SAT-3, and soon 2Africa—giving it one of the region’s strongest international bandwidth capacities. Its mobile money ecosystem, driven by Orange and MTN, is among the most developed in Francophone Africa, underpinning the expansion of e-commerce, where informal platforms dominate and urban online retail continues to grow steadily.
The government has adopted a wide range of digital strategies, including the National Digital Development Strategy 2021–2025, the Cybersecurity Strategy 2021–2025, and the National AI and Data Governance Strategy launched in 2025. Côte d’Ivoire also has one of West Africa’s most comprehensive data protection laws (since 2013) and an active regulatory authority, ARTCI, overseeing both data privacy and telecoms. Public services are undergoing digitisation through major initiatives like PARAE and Zero-Paper 2030, while capacity-building efforts are channelled through the Smart Africa Digital Academy and local innovation hubs.
In terms of AI, Côte d’Ivoire is among the few African countries with a dedicated national AI strategy and ethics framework, including a planned ‘Safe AI’ label. The country also leads in regional efforts to integrate AI in governance, environmental monitoring, and public policy, and has produced internationally recognised innovators. With continued focus on infrastructure, inclusion, and ethics, Côte d’Ivoire is emerging as one of the most digitally progressive states in West Africa.
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka serves as a key hub in the global submarine cable network, enhancing its international connectivity. The country is connected by several major submarine cables, including SEA-ME-WE 4, SEA-ME-WE 5, and the recently landed SEA-ME-WE 6, which link Sri Lanka to regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. Additionally, the Bharat Lanka Cable System directly connects Sri Lanka with India, while the Maldives Sri Lanka Cable System (MSC) links it to the Maldives. These systems are managed through landing stations in Colombo, Mount Lavinia, and Matara, operated by Sri Lanka Telecom and Dialog Axiata. This extensive submarine cable infrastructure positions Sri Lanka as a vital node in global telecommunications.
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Andorra
Andorra demonstrates a notably advanced digital infrastructure and connectivity profile. It was the first country worldwide to achieve 100 % fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage, ensuring widespread high-speed internet access. Its fixed broadband performance ranks among the highest globally: according to Ookla, Andorra held the 6th fastest fixed broadband speeds, averaging 211 Mbps download and 96 Mbps upload, which well exceeds global averages. Additionally, the ICT Development Index (IDI) 2024 places Andorra in a high tier (score: 88.8/100), ahead of most countries and indicating strong digital maturity in areas like connectivity, usage, and infrastructure.
In terms of digital public services and adoption, Andorra performs strongly, though it lacks published comparative rankings. As of 2024, the country scored 76.4/100 for digital public services to citizens and 88.5/100 for businesses, with e-health records access scoring 72.6/100, all aligning with its Digital Decade ambitions. Digital identity systems are also well-developed: Andorra achieved a Digital Identity Readiness Score of 77.5/100, categorised as ‘High,’ supported by robust online authentication and verification capabilities. Internet adoption is high among the population: 95.5 % were internet users in early 2025, with mobile connections exceeding 150 % of the population, and 98.3 % of these being broadband-capable.