Somalia Approves SpaceX Internet Service Amid Push for Broader Connectivity
SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is now officially operational in Somalia, marking a significant step in Elon Musk’s bid to expand high-speed internet access across underserved regions in Africa. The announcement was made by Musk himself on Sunday via the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
The launch makes Somalia the third African country this year after Liberia and Niger to authorize the commercial rollout of Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite service, underscoring the continent’s growing appetite for alternative broadband solutions.
“We have been in talks with this company (Starlink) for a period of two and a half years. We gave them the licence today,” said Mustafa Yasiin, Director of Communications at Somalia’s Ministry of Telecommunications, during a launch ceremony in Mogadishu attended by government officials and Starlink representatives.
“We hope Starlink will increase the quality of the existing internet in Somalia and will make the internet service reach more remote areas,” Yasiin added in a video statement released by the Ministry.
Bridging the Last Mile
Somalia’s internet infrastructure is currently supported by several undersea fiber optic cables. However, access remains largely concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural and conflict-affected regions underserved. Starlink’s satellite-based model, which bypasses the need for extensive ground infrastructure, is being seen as a game-changer for Somalia’s digital future.
The move aligns with broader ambitions in Africa to improve digital inclusion across a continent where internet penetration remains the lowest globally. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only about 40% of Africa’s 1.3 billion people are online.
Starlink’s low-latency internet has proven particularly appealing to governments seeking to leapfrog traditional infrastructure bottlenecks. By connecting rural schools, health centers, and administrative outposts, the system could significantly alter access to public services and economic opportunity.
Cautious Optimism
While Somalia’s approval is being hailed as a landmark moment, challenges remain. Somalia continues to grapple with weak regulatory institutions, persistent insecurity, and infrastructure deficits. Questions also linger around affordability and the sustainability of Starlink’s operations in fragile states.
Moreover, the $600+ cost of a Starlink terminal remains a major barrier to individual access in low-income regions, despite group-based models and NGO partnerships being explored to lower the cost burden.
“While Starlink’s entry into Somalia is exciting, the long-term impact will depend on how access is structured,” said Ahmed Farah, a Mogadishu-based ICT consultant. “Will it be integrated into public systems? Will costs be subsidized? Will local capacity be built to maintain and scale the service?”
Regulatory Divide
The news also highlights stark regulatory contrasts on the continent. While countries like Somalia, Liberia, and Niger have opened their doors to the SpaceX-backed initiative, South Africa the continent’s most advanced digital economy has pushed back.
In August 2023, South Africa’s telecommunications regulator banned the importation of Starlink kits, effectively blocking the service’s entry. Officials cited non-compliance with local licensing laws and a need to protect domestic telecom operators.
Starlink’s inability to break into South Africa has exposed deeper policy tensions between fast-paced tech innovators and protectionist or bureaucratically encumbered regulatory systems. Analysts believe this divergence will continue to shape the geography of digital transformation in Africa.
A Continental Race for Connectivity
Starlink’s momentum is part of a broader race among global tech giants to capture Africa’s untapped digital market. Amazon’s Project Kuiper and OneWeb, backed by the UK government and Bharti Enterprises, are also eyeing African markets, although they remain in earlier deployment stages.
Musk’s Starlink, however, currently has the first-mover advantage with more than 5,000 satellites already in orbit and an aggressive strategy of partnerships with African governments. The firm has continued to invest in regulatory compliance, pilot deployments, and regional partnerships, including with health and education NGOs.
As of April 2025, Starlink is available in more than 10 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and Malawi. With each new approval, Musk’s satellite vision edges closer to redefining the boundaries of internet access on the continent.
