Morocco has made a strong leap in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, securing a place among Africa’s top 10 startup ecosystems. Released by StartupBlink in May 2025, the ranking measures startup activity across 1,000+ cities and 100+ countries.
Morocco, now ranked 88th globally, recorded the highest growth rate in North Africa at over 23 percent, signaling the country’s growing appeal for entrepreneurs seeking stability and access to regional markets.
Casablanca and Rabat drive Morocco’s Startup ecosystem growth
Casablanca remains the heart of Morocco’s startup activity, climbing an impressive 42 spots to 317th globally. It now accounts for over six times the startup activity of Rabat, the second-ranked city in the country. Rabat also showed momentum, rising seven positions to 811th with a solid growth rate above 20 percent. However, not all cities are advancing. Agadir risks slipping out of the global top 1,000 due to a negative growth trend.
This strong performance places Morocco third in North Africa, behind Egypt and Tunisia, and ninth in Africa overall, just ahead of Senegal but behind ecosystem leaders like South Africa (52nd), Kenya (58th), and Nigeria (66th). With a growth rate of over 40 percent, Casablanca has become a rising star in the region, edging closer to the global top 300.
Public and private investment fuel Morocco’s tech scene
Morocco’s rise can be attributed to initiatives such as MoroccoTech, and the country’s broader Digital Morocco 2030 strategy has helped shape a more startup-friendly environment. High-profile events like GITEX Africa have also drawn international attention, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a growing tech hub.
Local capital plays a key role too. UM6P Ventures, linked to Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, runs two major funds targeting digital transformation and deep tech startups. The Maroc Numeric Fund and the Innov Invest Fund, backed by the World Bank and European Union, are also critical to early-stage financing.
Impact Lab in Casablanca continues to support mission-driven startups, while community-driven groups like StartUp Maroc contribute to a dynamic ecosystem. Together, these players are helping founders turn ideas into scalable businesses.
Challenges for Morocco’s startup ecosystem
Despite impressive gains, Morocco’s startup ecosystem still faces notable barriers. The StartupBlink report highlights ongoing challenges with regulatory frameworks and limited funding, especially outside major cities. Broader issues such as gaps in education, healthcare access, and gender inequality also hinder growth and innovation.
Morocco must address these structural gaps and ensure startups from all regions have equal access to support and capital to fully unlock their entrepreneurial potential.
With strong public-private collaboration, targeted investment, and rising city-level ecosystems, Morocco is well on its way to becoming a major innovation hub in Africa. If current trends continue, and key challenges are addressed, the country could soon climb even higher in global startup rankings.
