Libya has ranked as the slowest country in the Arab world for internet speed, according to new data released by the global internet performance platform Speedtest for April 2026.
The report showed that Libya recorded an average internet speed of just 22 megabits per second, highlighting ongoing challenges facing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and digital services sector.
According to the data, Syria ranked second among the slowest Arab countries, with an average speed of 28 Mbps, followed by Lebanon at 38 Mbps, Jordan at 47 Mbps, and Tunisia with 51 Mbps.
In contrast, Gulf countries continued to dominate regional internet speed rankings. United Arab Emirates topped the Arab world with an average speed of 647 Mbps, followed by Qatar at 561 Mbps, Kuwait at 365 Mbps, and Bahrain with 267 Mbps. Saudi Arabia ranked fifth at 223 Mbps.
The figures underline the growing digital divide across the Arab region, driven by major differences in investment levels in telecommunications infrastructure, fibre-optic expansion and fifth-generation mobile networks.
Digital transformation and high-speed internet connectivity have become increasingly important for economic growth, electronic services, education and business development across the region.
Libya has faced persistent difficulties in modernising its communications sector over recent years due to political instability, infrastructure damage and limited investment in advanced digital technologies.
Experts say improving internet quality will require significant investment in fibre-optic networks, data infrastructure and nationwide telecommunications upgrades to support Libya’s long-term digital transformation goals and improve access to online services for citizens and businesses.