August 31, 2024 — Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, is making significant strides in Africa, with recent launches in Ghana and Botswana. These expansions come after overcoming a series of regulatory hurdles that have highlighted the complexities of entering new markets on the continent.
In Botswana, the launch of Starlink services comes three months after the company secured its operating license from the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority. This approval marked the end of a prolonged negotiation process that began in early 2023. Initially, the Botswana regulator had rejected Starlink’s application in February 2024, citing missing information, and even went as far as banning the use, sale, and importation of Starlink kits. The situation escalated, creating uncertainty around the service’s future in the country.
However, a breakthrough came in May 2024, when Botswana’s president met with Starlink executives in Texas. This high-level intervention led to the eventual approval of Starlink’s operating license. The entry of Starlink into Botswana is viewed as a potential game-changer for the country, where traditional service providers have struggled to deliver reliable internet connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas. The satellite-based service is expected to provide high-speed internet access, bridging the digital divide and fostering socio-economic development.
In Ghana, the launch of Starlink services is being hailed as a milestone in the country’s digital infrastructure development. The service is anticipated to connect more Ghanaians to the global digital landscape, supporting socio-economic growth and innovation. With the launch, Ghana joins the growing list of African countries where Starlink is now operational, including Benin, Mozambique, Nigeria, Madagascar, Eswatini, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Zambia.
However, despite its rapid expansion, Starlink continues to face significant regulatory challenges across Africa. Industry analysts point out that regulators are concerned about the satellite service’s ability to operate independently of local oversight, which could limit their control over content shared on the network. These concerns have been particularly evident in South Africa, where Starlink has yet to secure approval, despite Elon Musk’s South African roots.
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Moreover, Starlink’s service in Cameroon was disconnected in April following a government order, citing concerns over national security and fair competition. Similar regulatory obstacles have prevented the company from launching in countries such as Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal.
In addition to regulatory issues, Starlink is also contending with concerns over high subscription costs, which may be prohibitive for many potential users across the continent. There are also fears that the service could disrupt local internet service providers, potentially driving them out of business.
