Imagine a world where every corner of the globe is connected to the Internet. A reality not too distant, especially with initiatives like Elon Musk’s Starlink. In recent times, Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has been reaching out to Africa, spreading its ambitious network across the continent. A significant stride was the landmark approval in Niger, granted by the military regime, offering them a futuristic five-year operational window.
Starlink’s saga in Africa has been nothing short of thrilling. Their journey began in January 2023, right in the heart of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. This debut marked the beginning of an ambitious voyage aimed to transform internet access across the continent, an area where only about 40% of the 1.3 billion populace is connected. The potential? Immense. The challenge? Even more so.
By the end of October 2023, Starlink wasn’t stopping at Nigeria. It had spread its wings into six more countries, including Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia. Fast forward to today, and the network graces at least 18 African nations. Yet, this grand dance has had its missteps.
Regulatory Hurdles and Hopes
Even with an expanding map, regulatory roadblocks have halted Starlink’s wheels in some regions. A striking example is South Africa, often seen as the beacon of economic progress on the continent. Despite its proximity to Starlink-enabled countries, discussions seem perpetually pinned in a protracted limbo. Perhaps it’s a poignant reminder of Tolkien’s adage, “Not all those who wander are lost,” suggesting the idea that perseverance is key, albeit arduous.
The allure of high-speed, low-latency internet has galvanized many African administrations to embrace Musk’s satellite network as a solution to their connectivity woes. The potential ripple effects are compelling—think enhanced education, improved healthcare delivery, and dynamic business landscapes. Yet, is the issue so simple? The surrounding complexities of infrastructure development, affordability, and social acceptance linger as thought-provoking puzzles to solve.
Globally, Starlink has already captured the trust of more than 2.6 million users, anchored by an impressive fleet of roughly 5,500 satellites, all set in motion since the 2019 launch. When it comes to Africa, the ‘wait and watch’ philosophy still holds sway for some stakeholders.
Starlink’s African Ascent
As of 2025, here’s a snapshot of the African countries that have embraced Starlink’s offerings:
| Rank | Country | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | January, 2023 |
| 2 | Rwanda | February, 2023 |
| 3 | Mozambique | June, 2023 |
| 4 | Kenya | July, 2023 |
| 5 | Malawi | July, 2023 |
| 6 | Benin | November, 2023 |
| 7 | Zambia | November, 2023 |
| 8 | Eswatini | December, 2023 |
| 9 | Sierra Leone | June, 2024 |
| 10 | South Sudan | July, 2024 |
| 11 | Madagascar | July, 2024 |
| 12 | Botswana | August, 2023 |
| 13 | Ghana | August, 2024 |
| 14 | Zimbabwe | September, 2024 |
| 15 | Burundi | September, 2024 |
| 16 | Cape Verde | December, 2024 |
| 17 | Liberia | January, 2025 |
| 18 | Niger | March, 2025 |
The foreseeable future holds promise and challenges. For Starlink in Africa, it’s a delicate balance of crossing geographical boundaries while ensuring sustainable infrastructure and socio-economic acceptance.
Ultimately, the next phase of Starlink’s adventure is unfurling, one country at a time, inviting us to ponder Elon Musk’s words, “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” In the nexus of technology and necessity, the right tools can indeed drive transformative progress.
Edited by Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
