Morocco Joins Africa’s Top 10 Startup Ecosystems, Closes in on Continental Leaders

Morocco has officially entered the Africa’s top 10 startup ecosystems for the first time, according to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink. Currently ranking 88th globally, this North African country climbed four places from its 92nd position in 2024, making it the fastest climber in the region with a 23% year-over-year growth rate.  
 
The report showcases Morocco’s strategic transformation being a rising hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. This shift is largely driven by an increasingly youthful, tech-savvy population, government-led digital initiatives, and growing investor interest.  
 
Speaking on the ranking, experts pointed to the Moroccan government’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy and the rise of local venture funds like UM6P Ventures, Maroc Numeric Fund, and Innov Invest Fund as key enablers of the country’s innovation surge. These are complemented by a robust network of incubators such as Impact Lab and StartUp Maroc.  
 
Morocco now ranks third in North Africa, trailing only Egypt (65th) and Tunisia (82nd), and holds 9th place on the continent which now outpaces Senegal, Uganda, Rwanda, and Somalia. However, the country is still behind leading startup ecosystems in South Africa (52nd), Kenya (58th), Nigeria (66th), and Cape Verde (75th).  
 
At the city level, Casablanca led Morocco’s rise, moving up 42 places to rank 317th globally with over 40% growth which is the fastest among North African cities. Rabat also showed notable progress, advancing seven spots to 811th, while Agadir declined in the rankings due to negative ecosystem trends.  
 
Despite the positive trajectory, the ecosystem still faces challenges. Funding remains uneven, and regulatory bottlenecks continue to hinder business scalability. Analysts stress that further reforms in business laws and greater capital access will be essential to sustain Morocco’s momentum and close the gap with Africa’s startup giants.  
 
The data underscores Morocco’s growing regional importance as a business gateway into North and West Africa. With strategic reforms, improved infrastructure, and its expanding digital economy, Morocco is positioning itself to become a competitive force among Africa’s innovation leaders in the years ahead.