Morocco has officially entered the top 10 African startup ecosystems, according to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink.

The country improved four positions from 92nd in 2024 to 88th globally in 2025, achieving a 23% year-over-year growth rate, the highest among North African nations.

Regionally, Morocco ranks third in North Africa behind Egypt (65th globally) and Tunisia (82nd).

On the African continent, Morocco now holds 9th place, surpassing Senegal (92nd), Uganda (94th), Rwanda (96th), and Somalia (100th).

However, it remains behind established ecosystems such as South Africa (52nd), Kenya (58th), Nigeria (66th), Cape Verde (75th), Ghana (81st), and Namibia (85th). Casablanca and Rabat lead Morocco’s urban startup scene.

Casablanca is ranked 317th globally, having climbed 42 places with over 40% growth, marking the fastest expansion among Moroccan cities and one of the strongest in North Africa.

Rabat advanced seven places to 811th with more than 20% growth. Agadir, however, declined to 968th globally due to negative growth.

Morocco’s growth is driven by several factors, a youthful, digitally connected population supports entrepreneurship and digital adoption.

The government’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy accelerates digital transformation and startup support.

A robust investment climate backed by venture funds like UM6P Ventures, Maroc Numeric Fund, and Innov Invest Fund. Active incubators and hubs such as Impact Lab and StartUp Maroc.

Additionally, Morocco’s stable and affordable business environment offers regional market access. Nevertheless, challenges remain.

Startups still face funding gaps, especially for scaling internationally, and regulatory hurdles persist due to bureaucratic delays and outdated policies, limiting ecosystem agility and innovation.

Comparing Morocco to African leaders, South Africa ranks 52nd globally and leads the continent, followed by Kenya at 58th.

Nigeria (66th) and Egypt (65th) hold strong positions supported by large markets and investor pools.

Morocco’s consistent double-digit growth, especially in Casablanca, indicates potential for faster progress if it addresses funding and regulatory issues.

African rankings in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index are as follows.

South Africa comes 52nd in the global rank, maintaining moderate growth and standing as the top-ranked African country.

Kenya follows closely at 58th globally with moderate growth, ranking second in Africa.

Egypt places 65th globally, also with moderate growth, securing third place continentally.

Nigeria ranks 66th globally, showing moderate growth and standing fourth in Africa.

Cape Verde comes 75th globally with moderate growth, ranking fifth in Africa.

Ghana sits at 81st globally with moderate growth, placing sixth on the continent.

Namibia holds the 85th spot globally with moderate growth, taking the seventh African position.

Morocco, now 88th globally with a +23% growth rate, holds the ninth position in Africa.

Senegal ranks 92nd globally with moderate growth, rounding out the top 10 ecosystems on the continent.

Morocco’s strategic initiatives, youthful population, and increasing investor interest form a strong foundation for future growth.

With improvements in funding availability and regulatory reform, Morocco is poised to further narrow the gap with Africa’s leading startup ecosystems.