As the satellites keep circling and regulators keep debating, one thing is clear: the race to connect Africa is no longer just grounded in cables; it is written in the stars.
When Elon Musk’s Starlink made its African debut in Nigeria in January 2023, it landed with both promise and controversy. Promoted as a game-changer for rural internet access, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation quickly expanded across the continent, now operational in 17 African countries including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Liberia.
With download speeds surpassing 100 Mbps in several locations, Starlink offers a tempting alternative to the sluggish or absent internet options faced by millions. But its rapid growth has rattled the continent’s telecommunications sector, prompting a flurry of regulatory battles, competitive fears, and economic debates. Beneath the noise, however, is a powerful opportunity: if implemented inclusively and sustainably, Starlink could become part of Africa’s solution to digital exclusion.
The promise: Internet where cables cannot reach
Africa’s digital divide remains stark. As of early 2024, the continent’s internet penetration rate was just 43%, far below the global average of 66%. In countries like South Sudan and Burundi, rates hover around a mere 10%. The barriers are well known: high infrastructure costs, unreliable power, and sparsely populated rural terrain where laying fiber simply doesn’t make financial sense.
This is where Starlink shines. Its LEO satellite system requires no fiber cables or cellular towers. All that’s needed is a clear view of the sky and a receiver terminal. This decentralised model is ideal for hard-to-reach communities where telcos have hesitated to invest.
In Kenya, for instance, where only about 15% of the more than 10 million homes and businesses have reliable internet access, Starlink’s presence has already grown rapidly. Data from the Communications Authority shows satellite internet subscriptions jumped from just 405 in June 2023 to 8,324 by June 2024. That’s a 1,955% increase in one year. While Starlink still only holds 0.5% of the market share, it is already among the top 10 ISPs in a field of around 60.
The pushback: “Unfair” competition?
Not everyone is cheering. Telcos and ISPs across Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon argue that Starlink has entered African markets without contributing meaningfully to local infrastructure or employment.
Temidayo Oniosun, CEO of Space in Africa, summed up the concern: “We have a foreign company coming in, doing the bare minimum, and then taking market share from companies that have invested heavily in the continent and are providing jobs for thousands of people.”
The criticism echoes in policy circles. South Africa, home to the continent’s most sophisticated telecom sector, has yet to approve Starlink’s operations, citing its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. These require 30% local ownership by historically disadvantaged groups for any telecom licence. While Kenya initially had a similar rule, it quietly waived it for Starlink in 2023.
Musk, known for his blunt online persona, has publicly called South Africa’s BEE rules “openly racist,” further complicating negotiations. But President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited Musk for deeper discussions, signalling that Starlink’s entry might still happen, if compromises can be struck.
The reality: High-speed but high-cost
Despite the hype, affordability remains a major hurdle. Starlink’s hardware kits initially retailed in Kenya for Sh90,000 ($694), far beyond the means of most households. In response, SpaceX slashed prices, offering kits for Sh45,000 ($347), a scaled-down version for Sh27,000 ($208), and a rental option for just Sh1,950 ($15) per month.
While this brings the service closer to affordability, it is still a stretch for millions. A 2023 report by the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) found that just 15% of Africans could afford even the cheapest broadband packages without sacrificing basic needs.
Experts suggest that long-term affordability will hinge on collaboration. “Satellite connectivity is a powerful tool,” says Mazen Mroué, CTO of MTN Group.
“But to connect the unconnected sustainably, we need partnerships. We’re already working with LEO providers to extend broadband into areas where building towers isn’t viable.”
Solutions in motion: Partnerships and policy reform
Rather than viewing Starlink solely as a threat, a growing chorus of telecom leaders and policymakers are urging collaboration.
In Kenya, President William Ruto publicly encouraged Safaricom, the country’s dominant mobile network operator, to embrace competition.
“I keep encouraging Peter [Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO] that competition makes you better,” Ruto said at the 2023 UN General Assembly. Safaricom, which invests up to $350 million annually in infrastructure, has since adopted a more open stance, with Ndegwa acknowledging the “big opportunity for all players.”
Safaricom and MTN are not alone. Across the continent, some providers are exploring hybrid models, where satellite companies provide wholesale infrastructure while local telcos manage distribution and customer service. This “shared responsibility” approach could create a win-win: extending reach without duplicating costs.
Governments also play a critical role. By crafting balanced policies, ones that protect local investment while allowing innovation, regulators can avoid stifling progress. South Africa’s current impasse with Starlink may yet yield a middle ground: a path where local equity and foreign tech co-exist.
The bigger picture: Digital equity beyond Starlink
Ultimately, Starlink is not a silver bullet. It is one part of a wider ecosystem needed to achieve universal connectivity. Fibre networks in urban centres, 4G and 5G mobile towers in peri-urban zones, and community Wi-Fi hubs in rural areas all have roles to play.
But where Starlink can make a lasting impact is in changing what is possible, proving that even the most remote communities can access world-class internet speeds. If regulators, local businesses, and satellite operators find common ground, Starlink’s controversial arrival might just become one of the continent’s most consequential digital opportunities.
As Africa’s population nears 1.5 billion, with a median age under 20, the stakes could not be higher. A connected Africa is not just about faster streaming; it is about access to education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the global economy.
In that light, the challenge is not whether Starlink should be allowed to compete. It is how Africa can ensure that the benefits of space-age internet serve people on the ground.
Got a view on this story? We are collecting perspectives from rural users, telco engineers, and policymakers on how satellite internet is shaping Africa’s digital future. Email editor@ethicalbusiness.africa
