02 November 2022

Zambia will be connected to fast internet services within the next six months after the government confirmed SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation Starlink would launch operations.

Following a meeting with Starlink representatives, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said the company will soon offer its services in the country “in line with the Zambian government’s quest to embrace internet revolution.”

The Zambian government has prioritised internet connectivity and the need to address connectivity issues to enable Zambia to secure a fully functional e-government system.

“We expect that in under six months, we will have universal internet in the country. We are working around the clock to ensure that facilities such as technology are put to greater use so that jobs and business opportunities can be realised and this was what characterised our conversation with Starlink head Chad Gibbs,” said Hichilema.

“We are looking forward to providing Starlink services to the people of Zambia,” said Elon Musk, SpaceX founder and CEO.
In May this year, Mozambique and Nigeria became the first countries to grant regulatory approval for Starlink in Africa in a bid to ensure high-speed internet connectivity, especially to extend the service to underserved rural areas.