Algiers has been ranked first in Africa and 34th globally in the 2026 Gigacity index, as per a report released by the Algerian Ministry of Post, Telecommunications, and Technology. The index, published by British research firm Omdia, assesses the performance of fixed broadband networks in 50 major cities worldwide. Algiers has been classified under the silver category, improving its ranking by 11 places compared to Cape Town, South Africa, which is the second-ranked city in Africa.
The report highlights Algiers' impressive infrastructure and coverage, with near-total coverage of fiber-optic connections to homes, reaching approximately 100%. This achievement has enabled Algiers to score 50 points out of 100 in the network infrastructure axis, surpassing other major cities such as Riyadh, Berlin, Istanbul, and Sydney. The city's performance in terms of speed and connectivity is also notable, with 7% of households enjoying speeds exceeding 500 Mbps and 3% having speeds above 1 Gbps.
According to Omdia, Algiers is considered an emerging market for broadband, having rapidly adopted fiber-optic technology as part of a national expansion strategy. This approach has propelled the city to the top of the African rankings. The report also notes that Algiers' response time is a significant strength, contributing to its high ranking.
The Algerian capital is one of only two African cities classified under the silver category, alongside Cape Town. Other African cities, including Cairo, Nairobi, and Lagos, have been ranked under the bronze category. Globally, Algiers has achieved the same score as London, with 36 points.
The ranking is seen as a result of significant investments made by the Algerian government in communication infrastructure, as well as the country's policy of modernizing and expanding fiber-optic networks. This aligns with the directives of the country's top authorities, aiming to enhance the nation's digital infrastructure.
The 2026 Gigacity index evaluates cities based on their broadband network performance, providing insights into the current state of digital infrastructure worldwide. By ranking high in this index, Algiers demonstrates its progress in developing a robust and high-speed digital infrastructure.
The achievement is expected to encourage further investment and development in Algeria's telecommunications sector, supporting the country's goal of becoming a major player in the digital economy. The government's continued efforts to upgrade and expand the nation's digital infrastructure are likely to yield long-term benefits for the country's economic growth and development.
Key points
- Algiers ranks first in Africa and 34th globally in the 2026 Gigacity index.
- The city's high ranking is attributed to its advanced fiber-optic infrastructure and strong network performance.
- Algiers is one of only two African cities classified under the silver category in the Gigacity index.
