16 January 2023

Starlink is set to launch its satellite internet services in 23 African countries in 2023.

The company has drawn up a launch schedule based on how long it takes to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals in the countries, namely: Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, eSwatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Republic Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Somaliland, Benin, Togo, Gambia, Nigeria, Western Sahara, and Seychelles.

14 more countries should receive the services of the American company in 2024. However, the company has not yet set a launch date for 17 countries on the continent.

Starlink is pursuing its African expansion strategy as part of SpaceX's ambition to bring broadband everywhere on the planet, including the most remote and landlocked areas, which are difficult to access for operators. mobiles. With approximately 60% of the African continent's population without internet access, the company sees business opportunities to explore in a context marked by the acceleration in demand for broadband connectivity on the continent since 2020, due to of the COVID-19 pandemic.