Starlink Expands in Africa: Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya Set for Launch Despite Challenges

Starlink is set to expand its presence in Africa with imminent launches in Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya. Despite facing initial challenges, SpaceX has secured the necessary licenses and is preparing to introduce its internet services in these markets, further advancing connectivity across the continent.

Starlink Prepares to Launch in Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya, Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles and Market Challenges

Starlink intends to broaden its African market through forthcoming Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya launches. Nevertheless, it must overcome numerous challenges before entering these new markets, per Teslarati.

After rejecting SpaceX's application in February 2024, Botswana eventually granted the company an operating license for Starlink. In May 2023, SpaceX applied to operate Starlink services in Botswana. Local media reported that Botswana denied the application due to a lack of information.

In May 2024, the president of Botswana met with a SpaceX team, which facilitated the implementation of Starlink services in the country. It is only a matter of time before Botswana joins the other African countries that have approved Starlink, including Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar, with a license.

In addition, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Kenya have also granted SpaceX licenses, allowing the company to commence Starlink operations in their respective countries. By the end of August 2024, it was anticipated that SpaceX would commence Starlink operations in Ghana. Nevertheless, the deadline is rapidly approaching, and no imminent launch exists.

The launch of Ghana's Starlink may have been postponed while SpaceX determines the appropriate pricing for its services and hardware. Similar to its strategy in the Kenyan market, SpaceX may implement a rental plan for Starlink services and hardware in Ghana.

Starlink Now Operational in Zambia, Promising Significant Improvements in Internet Connectivity and Accessibility

According to last year's report, Starlink internet service is now accessible in Zambia following a meeting between government officials and SpaceX representatives more than a year ago.

The infrastructure for the service costs ZMW 10,744 ($502.97), and SpaceX provides Starlink internet connection in the country for ZMW 771 (approximately $35.90) per month.

Starlink noted that users could “engage in comment internet connectivity,” including sending and receiving emails, online shopping, and even streaming movies. The internet provider also cautioned that online gaming and video calls “may be challenging at times.” However, Starlink hinted that its internet services in Zambia would “dramatically” improve over the next year.

Last September 2023, the SpaceX Starlink team convened with Zambian government officials. After the initial meeting in 2022, SpaceX implemented pilot projects for Starlink's internet service in nine provinces nationwide. SpaceX was granted a license to provide Starlink connectivity in Zambia by June 2023.

The President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, declared last week that Starlink was operational in his country. He emphasized that technology and information would no longer be considered a luxury for the people of Zambia. Zambia had a total population of 20.29 million and 4.30 million internet subscribers as of January 2023. The median mobile internet speed from cellular networks was 15.14 Mbps, while the median fixed internet connection spent was 8.66 Mbps.

The World Bank's digital economy diagnostic report indicates that universal and affordable internet coverage has the potential to increase growth per capita by 2% annually. Increasing the availability of internet access may also reduce poverty headcount by 1% annually.

Zambia is the sixth African nation to sanction the internet service, with Starlink connectivity already available in Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Malawi. SpaceX is anticipated to provide Starlink services in Angola and Eswatini shortly. Starlink Internet is accessible on all seven continents, including Antarctica.