Starlink expands to 20 new African countries in 2025 📡

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Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite Internet subsidiary, continues its expansion across the African continent. The company has announced its launch in 20 new countries in 2025. This initiative aims to strengthen Internet connectivity in rural areas, which are often underserved, while challenging traditional telecommunications operators.

An ambitious expansion in Africa 🌍

Already present in 18 African countries, including Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique, Starlink plans to cover even more regions in 2025. The countries targeted in this new expansion phase include Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. This deployment wave is expected to meet the demand for high-quality Internet services, especially in rural and remote areas where connectivity is limited.

That said, Starlink’s expansion does not stop there. In 2026, the company plans to extend its coverage to five additional countries: Uganda, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, and Comoros. This marks a significant step forward for a continent where Internet access remains a crucial challenge.

Threat to traditional operators 📡

However, Starlink poses a serious threat to established telecom operators in Africa. These long-standing players must now contend with fierce competition. As a result, operators like Orange and Vodacom in Uganda, as well as Safaricom in Kenya, are being forced to enhance their terrestrial infrastructure. Some have even started integrating satellite solutions to optimize their coverage and stay competitive against this new offering.

Thus, Starlink could disrupt the balance of the African telecom market. Moreover, with its ability to deliver fast and reliable Internet in underserved areas, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the sector. This is particularly true in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy.

Contrasting regulations across Africa ⚖️

However, Starlink’s entry into Africa is not without challenges. Regulatory hurdles are a major obstacle to the company’s growth. Some countries, like Niger, have already signed agreements with Starlink to expand national coverage. Meanwhile, other states, such as Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, remain hesitant to grant the company a license due to regulatory concerns and potential impacts on local operators.

This fragmentation of national telecommunications policies also influences Starlink’s strategy. The company must adapt to the specific requirements of each country. As a result, the African market remains divided between nations that welcome Starlink’s initiative and those that adopt a more cautious stance.

Cameroon absent from the 2025 expansion 🇨🇲

Although Cameroon was among the countries targeted for Starlink’s expansion in 2025, its name does not appear on the list of those benefiting from the service this year. This omission is not surprising, as the Cameroonian government has already banned the entry of Starlink kits into its territory. Indeed, Cameroonian authorities have required SpaceX to comply with local telecommunications regulations.

The absence of Starlink in Cameroon could prolong the wait for many Cameroonian citizens, who continue to struggle with high-speed Internet access, particularly in rural areas. This situation could also spark a broader discussion on telecom market regulations. African governments will need to balance competition between traditional operators and new players like Starlink.

A telecom revolution in Africa 📡

Starlink’s expansion in Africa is shaking up the telecom industry on the continent. High-speed Internet access in rural and underserved areas could rapidly develop. However, regulatory hurdles and increased competition from traditional operators remain challenges to overcome.

That said, the African telecom revolution is just beginning. Starlink and other innovative companies are likely to radically transform the digital landscape by offering more reliable and accessible connectivity to a growing population. More and more people are demanding high-quality digital services.

Your thoughts!!!
Do you think Starlink will succeed in expanding to more African countries? Why is Cameroon missing from the list? Share your thoughts in the comments! ☺️