Starlink’s Expanding Footprint: Satellite Internet Growth in Africa and Beyond

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, continues to solidify its global presence, with remarkable strides in 2025. Globally, Starlink is now available in over 150 countries and territories, but it is its African expansion that has garnered significant attention. As of October 2025, Starlink services are operational in 23 African countries, with further launches planned in the near future. Its high-speed, low-latency internet has proven to be a game-changer for rural regions across the continent, where traditional fixed or mobile network connectivity is limited or entirely absent. Additionally, Starlink’s utility as a backup network during natural disasters adds another layer of value for underserved areas.

The Expansion of Starlink in Africa

Starlink’s journey in Africa began with its debut in Nigeria in February 2023 after securing key ISP licenses from the Nigerian Communications Commission in 2022. Its standard service plan costs NGN57,000 monthly with hardware priced as low as NGN318,000 after multiple price reductions. This cost-effective approach has made satellite internet accessible to more users in Nigeria, with major urban markets like Lagos reaching capacity by Q1 2025. Beyond direct-to-consumer services, Starlink partnered with Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) in 2023 to provide connectivity in underserved regions, leveraging Starlink’s terminals to power remote base stations.

Following Nigeria, Starlink quickly expanded to other African markets, including Rwanda, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Zambia by the end of 2023. This rapid expansion doubled in 2024 and 2025, with launches in Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, and others. The company’s strategy of targeting areas with limited connectivity is paying off, though regulatory and operational barriers in certain countries still pose challenges, as seen in Angola and Zimbabwe. In South Africa, Starlink faces licensing delays due to local economic empowerment regulations but has pledged significant investments to enhance local infrastructure and provide free internet to schools.

Impressive Growth and Future Ambitions

Starlink’s global growth has been staggering. After launching in 2019 with its first 60 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the company now has over 8,590 operational satellites in orbit, with plans to scale significantly. Beyond its current deployment of 12,000 satellites, Starlink has sought approvals for 7,500 Gen2 satellites and filed applications for an additional 30,000. This massive satellite network has translated to impressive subscriber growth, reaching seven million users globally by August 2025, up from just one million in December 2022. While African subscription data remains limited, nations like Nigeria and Rwanda are seeing steady adoption rates.

The company’s future in Africa looks promising, especially with added partnerships and a focus on bridging the digital divide. Agreements like the reseller partnership with Paratus Group enable Starlink services to be marketed more widely. Additionally, Starlink’s willingness to invest in infrastructure, offer free internet to schools, and adapt to regulatory complexities demonstrates its commitment to long-term growth in Africa and other emerging markets. With over 23 active markets in Africa and plans to expand further, Starlink is poised to revolutionize internet access on the continent.

The Road Ahead for Satellite Internet

Starlink’s success in Africa serves as a valuable case study for the broader potential of satellite internet. By addressing connectivity gaps and providing reliable internet where infrastructure is sparse, Starlink is setting a benchmark for the industry. However, challenges remain, such as regulatory hurdles and competition from other satellite providers like Eutelsat. As the demand for reliable high-speed internet grows globally, especially in rural and underserved regions, Starlink’s innovative approach places it at the cutting edge of network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Whether for individual consumers, schools, or enterprises, the impact of enhanced digital access will have far-reaching implications for education, commerce, and development across Africa.