According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, published by the American firm StartupBlink, these 10 African countries lead the continent in terms of the best startup ecosystems.
Based on 33 key indicators, the ranking reveals that South Africa (52nd globally) retains its position as the African country with the best startup ecosystem on the continent.
Kenya (58th globally) ranks second in Africa, gaining 5 places compared to the 2024 edition of the ranking. Following are Egypt (65th globally), Nigeria (66th), Cape Verde (75th), Ghana (81st), Tunisia (82nd), Namibia (85th), Morocco (88th). Senegal (92nd globally) completes the African Top 10, ahead of Uganda (94th), Rwanda (96th), and Somalia (100th).
Ecosystem
According to the report, Morocco has experienced notable growth, driven by a rapidly developing ecosystem, with cities like Casablanca and Rabat standing out for significant improvements in the global ranking.
Indeed, Morocco benefits from key factors that have contributed to its rise in the ranking.
StartupBlink indicates that the country provides a stable and accessible foundation for entrepreneurs, particularly thanks to a tech-savvy youth, increasing digital connectivity, and growing investment funds.
Casablanca, the country’s main tech hub, has climbed 42 places, reaching 317th globally, with a growth rate of over 40%, the highest in North Africa. Rabat has also risen by 7 places, reaching 811th, illustrating positive momentum.
Challenges
The report highlights several challenges that hinder the expansion of Morocco's ecosystem. These include economic and social constraints, limited access to funding for certain startups, and a regulatory framework that still needs improvement.
StartupBlink believes that to accelerate its growth, Morocco needs to facilitate access to investments and strengthen its infrastructure dedicated to startups.
The Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 is based on three main categories of criteria: quantity (number of startups, accelerators, coworking spaces), quality (investment amounts, unicorns, presence of research and development centers), and business environment (cost and speed of Internet, taxation, digital freedoms, accessible tech services).
These indicators help assess the attractiveness and competitiveness of startup ecosystems globally, tracking market trends and identifying strong patterns shaping technological entrepreneurship.
