Algiers has been ranked first in Africa and 34th globally in the Gigacity 2026 index, according to a statement by the Algerian Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. This index, published by the British research firm Omdia, assesses the performance of fixed broadband networks in 50 major cities worldwide. The ranking is a significant achievement for Algiers, demonstrating its advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
The Gigacity 2026 index categorizes cities into three tiers: silver, bronze, and others. Algiers and Cape Town are the only two African cities classified under the silver category, while other African cities, including Cairo, Nairobi, and Lagos, are ranked in the bronze category. Globally, Algiers has been ranked alongside cities like London, which has also scored 36 points.
In terms of infrastructure and coverage, Algiers boasts near-total coverage of fiber-optic connections to homes, with a rate of approximately 100%. This achievement has earned the city 50 points out of 100 in the network infrastructure axis, surpassing other major cities like Riyadh, Berlin, Istanbul, and Sydney. The city's high ranking is attributed to its comprehensive fiber-optic network.
The report highlights that 7% of households in Algiers enjoy internet speeds exceeding 500 Mbps, while 3% have speeds above 1 Gbps. Additionally, 90% of subscribers have a minimum speed of over 100 Mbps. The city's performance in terms of latency has also been commended, demonstrating its robust telecommunications infrastructure.
Omdia has described Algiers as a "nascent broadband market that has rapidly adopted fiber-optic technology as part of a national expansion strategy." This strategic approach has propelled Algiers to the top of the African rankings. The city's achievement is a testament to the significant investments made by the Algerian government in its telecommunications infrastructure.
The Algerian Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has emphasized that this ranking is a direct result of the country's efforts to modernize its telecommunications networks and expand fiber-optic coverage. The ministry's policies have been instrumental in driving the growth of Algeria's telecommunications sector.
The ranking of Algiers in the Gigacity 2026 index underscores the city's position as a leader in telecommunications infrastructure in Africa. With its comprehensive fiber-optic network and high-speed internet connections, Algiers is well-positioned to continue its growth and development in the sector.
Key points
- Algiers ranks first in Africa and 34th globally in the Gigacity 2026 index.
- The city boasts near-total coverage of fiber-optic connections to homes, with a rate of approximately 100%.
- Algiers has been classified under the silver category, alongside Cape Town, in the Gigacity 2026 index.
