Starlink’s Expanding Presence in Africa: Milestones and Challenges

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite broadband service, continues to expand its footprint in Africa and other regions across the globe. As of October 2025, Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet services are live in more than 150 countries worldwide, including 23 nations across Africa. This expansion is especially impactful on the continent, where a lack of reliable mobile and fixed-line connectivity in rural areas has created a significant digital divide. Starlink’s ability to provide internet access to remote and underserved areas has contributed to increased connectivity and presented new opportunities for individuals, businesses, and educational institutions.

Starlink’s Strategic Deployments Across Africa

Since its African debut in Nigeria in February 2023, Starlink has rapidly expanded its services across the continent, doubling its presence within two years. The initial Nigerian rollout marked a critical milestone, with the country seeing over 59,000 active subscriptions by the first quarter of 2025. In partnership with Africa Mobile Networks (AMN), Starlink has also facilitated mobile base stations in underserved areas, overcoming the infrastructural barriers using satellite connectivity. Other key markets in Africa, including Rwanda, Mozambique, and Kenya, have adopted Starlink to combat connectivity challenges.

The company’s versatility is further demonstrated by its partnerships and educational initiatives. For example, in Rwanda, Starlink launched a pilot program providing internet connectivity to 500 schools, illustrating its potential to revolutionize education in rural regions. Meanwhile, its agreement with Namibia-based Paratus Group extended reseller opportunities across multiple African countries. These partnerships signal a transformative impact, with a focus on not just customer connectivity but also greater access for mobile operators and institutions.

Global Operations and Growth Trajectory

Globally, Starlink’s progress underscores its commitment to becoming a cornerstone of satellite broadband technology. The service achieved a major milestone by surpassing seven million subscribers globally in August 2025, up from one million just a few years earlier in December 2022. This growth aligns with SpaceX’s ambitious plans for satellite deployments, as they now operate over 8,500 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites out of 8,608 launched, with approvals to expand their fleet to 30,000 satellites in the coming years. The scalability of Starlink’s satellite network equips it to meet rising demands, including acting as a backup network during natural disasters or connectivity outages.

Regulatory Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its growth, Starlink faces challenges in navigating regulatory frameworks across Africa. For instance, delays in obtaining licenses in Angola and Zimbabwe have slowed expansion. In South Africa, strict Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements have prevented Starlink from launching services; however, SpaceX plans to establish a compliant local business unit to meet these standards. The company remains committed to investing heavily in African infrastructure, including plans to provide free high-speed internet to 5,000 schools in South Africa, backed by a ZAR2 billion investment.

Starlink’s ongoing efforts to conquer regulatory hurdles and build partnerships in Africa position it as a critical player in closing the digital gap. With its unique satellite-based connectivity model, the broadband giant is not only expanding its technological reach but also paving the way for significant socio-economic advancements in some of the world’s most underserved regions. As Starlink continues its deployment, the future of African connectivity is poised for transformation, bringing the dreams of broadband accessibility closer to reality for millions.