Grace Ashiru
According to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, Morocco has officially entered the top 10 African startup ecosystems, ranking 88th globally. This marks a four-spot improvement from its 92nd position in 2024, driven by a 23% year-over-year growth rate — the highest among North African nations.
How Morocco Compares Regionally and Continentally
Within North Africa, Morocco now ranks third behind Egypt (65th globally) and Tunisia (82nd). On the broader African stage, Morocco holds the 9th position, surpassing Senegal (92nd), Uganda (94th), Rwanda (96th), and Somalia (100th). However, it remains behind established ecosystems in South Africa (52nd), Kenya (58th), Nigeria (66th), Cape Verde (75th), Ghana (81st), and Namibia (85th).
City-Level Insights: Casablanca and Rabat Lead the Way
Morocco boasts three cities in the global top 1,000 startup ecosystems. Casablanca ranks 317th globally, climbing 42 spots with over 40% growth—the fastest expansion among Morocco’s cities and one of the strongest in North Africa. Rabat also shows steady progress, advancing seven places to 811th with more than 20% growth. Conversely, Agadir faces a decline, now ranked 968th globally, due to negative growth trends.
Factors Driving Morocco’s Ecosystem Growth
Morocco’s rise is underpinned by several strategic strengths:
- Youthful and digitally connected population: A large, tech-savvy youth demographic supports entrepreneurial activity and adoption of digital services.
- Government-led initiatives: The Digital Morocco 2030 strategy aims to accelerate nationwide digital transformation, improving infrastructure and startup support.
- Robust investment climate: Venture funds like UM6P Ventures, Maroc Numeric Fund, and Innov Invest Fund actively back early-stage startups, supplemented by dynamic incubators and hubs such as Impact Lab and StartUp Maroc.
- Regional market access: Morocco’s stable and affordable business environment offers startups a gateway to North African and broader African markets.
Remaining Challenges
Despite the gains, Morocco’s ecosystem faces critical obstacles:
- Funding gaps: While capital availability is improving, many startups still struggle to secure sufficient funding to scale internationally.
- Regulatory environment: Bureaucratic hurdles and outdated policies impede agility and innovation, necessitating reform to foster a more startup-friendly ecosystem.
Morocco’s Outlook Compared to African Leaders
South Africa and Kenya continue to dominate Africa’s startup ecosystem rankings, with South Africa placed 52nd globally and Kenya at 58th. Nigeria (66th) and Egypt (65th) also maintain strong positions, reflecting well-established ecosystems backed by larger markets and investor pools.
Morocco’s consistent double-digit growth rates, especially in Casablanca, signal potential for accelerated advancement. If it successfully addresses funding and regulatory challenges, Morocco could close the gap with these leading African ecosystems in the coming years.
Summary Table of Select African Countries in Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025
| Country | Global Rank | Growth Rate (YoY) | Africa Rank |
| South Africa | 52 | Moderate | 1 |
| Kenya | 58 | Moderate | 2 |
| Egypt | 65 | Moderate | 3 |
| Nigeria | 66 | Moderate | 4 |
| Cape Verde | 75 | Moderate | 5 |
| Ghana | 81 | Moderate | 6 |
| Namibia | 85 | Moderate | 7 |
| Morocco | 88 | +23% | 9 |
| Senegal | 92 | Moderate | 10 |
Note: Growth rates are relative to previous year’s rankings and ecosystem data.
Morocco’s strategic initiatives, youthful population, and growing investor interest provide a strong foundation to build on. Addressing persistent funding shortages and modernizing the regulatory framework remain essential priorities to sustain and accelerate growth.
This year’s ranking firmly places Morocco on Africa’s innovation map as a startup ecosystem to watch — poised to challenge the continent’s established leaders in the near future.
Morocco’s Position Compared to Africa’s Leading Startup Hubs
South Africa and Kenya are currently the strongest startup ecosystems in Africa, ranking 52nd and 58th globally, respectively. Nigeria (66th) and Egypt (65th) also hold solid positions, supported by large markets and strong investor interest.
Morocco is growing quickly, especially in Casablanca, its main technology hub. If Morocco can improve access to funding and update its business regulations, it could rise in the rankings and become more competitive with these leading African countries in the near future.
