Libya has been ranked among the world’s slowest countries in terms of internet speed, according to a recent global report released by Speedtest by Ookla, a leading internet performance analysis platform.
In the latest ranking, Libya placed fifth from the bottom globally, with an average download speed of just 10.99 megabits per second (Mbps). Only Syria, Cuba, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia recorded slower speeds. Following Libya were countries like Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
The report underscores a growing digital divide between Libya and its neighboring countries. While many states in the region have internet speeds exceeding 50 Mbps, Libya continues to struggle with sluggish connectivity, due largely to weak infrastructure and inconsistent service delivery—particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Telecommunications experts point to several root causes: outdated infrastructure, lack of widespread fiber-optic networks, and underinvestment in data centers and digital technology. They also highlight the need for market liberalization, noting that limited competition within Libya’s telecommunications sector has hindered innovation and slowed expansion.
“The country’s current digital infrastructure is not keeping pace with modern demands,” one expert noted, adding that expanding fiber-optic networks and opening the market to new providers could rapidly improve performance.
