Somalia grants Starlink operational license
17 April 2025
Somalia's National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially awarded Starlink an operational license, marking a significant milestone as Somalia becomes the 21st country in Africa to adopt Elon Musk's satellite internet service.
The introduction of Starlink in Somalia aims to significantly improve the country's internet coverage and promote digital inclusion. According to recent statistics, Somalia had approximately 5.08 million internet users as of early 2024, translating to just 27.8% of the population, while 72.4% remained offline. The NCA emphasized that the Starlink project aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Communications and Technology, which seeks to provide affordable and accessible internet services to all Somalis, regardless of their location.
Find out more Starlink expands its reach with new licenses in Guinea-Bissau and Lesotho
15 April 2025
Guinea-Bissau and Lesotho have both granted operational licenses to Starlink, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing expansion across Africa, which commenced in Nigeria in 2022.
The licenses come at a time of rising tariffs imposed by the United States, including a recently announced 50% tariff on imports from Lesotho, which was revealed in February. In response, Samuel Matekane, the Prime Minister of Lesotho, has initiated discussions with the Trump administration to seek tariff relief and the reinstatement of development aid.
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National Water Institute in Benin receives Starlink connectivity boost
15 April 2025
The National Water Institute (INE) at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin has received a substantial enhancement to its digital capabilities thanks to a donation from CoinEx Charity, which is providing Starlink satellite broadband connectivity. This initiative addresses the longstanding issue of limited internet access that has significantly hindered academic and research development at the institution.
As a vital training and research centre specializing in water resource management, INE has faced serious challenges due to inadequate digital infrastructure. These obstacles have restricted both students and staff from accessing essential knowledge and participating in international academic collaborations, ultimately hampering research efforts and educational growth.
Find out more Nigeria aims to generate over $200 billion annually through space regulation and licensing
11 April 2025
Nigeria has unveiled ambitious plans to generate more than $200 billion each year by regulating and licensing space operations, as part of a broader strategy to develop a competitive space sector within the country.
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, made this announcement during a workshop focused on space regulation, spectrum management, and licensing held in Abuja.
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