Full list of African countries where Starlink is either available or soon to be launched in 2024
Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, is on a journey to provide high-speed internet access to rural communities and underserved regions globally, particularly in Africa, where satellite networks and services are limited.
With its network of over 5,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the satellite network aims to revolutionise connectivity on the African continent by offering reliable, uncapped, and fast internet access. This is a move that could significantly benefit the continent’s remote regions and help bridge the digital divide by offering high-speed internet access to those who were previously excluded.
Although relatively expensive, Starlink operates a vast constellation of LEO satellites that enable it to deliver internet coverage almost anywhere on the planet. Hence, it can be used anywhere, even in villages where broadband penetration is relatively low.
Options and Pricing for countries
In regions where Starlink’s service is not yet officially available, users can access it through global or regional roaming by importing the necessary kit from a country where Starlink delivers its service. While the roaming option provides access to Starlink, it comes at a slightly higher cost than using the service in the country of registration.
The satellite network provider also offers a flexible pricing structure tailored to different budgets, needs, and the PPP of a country’s currency.
Customers typically need to invest in equipment like the Starlink Kit, which includes a satellite dish and modem. Prices may vary depending on the country and specific package options. Furthermore, Starlink often provides instalment plans, allowing users to spread the equipment costs over several months.
Recently, the satellite internet service announced a price reduction for its hardware in Nigeria. The cost of the Starlink kit, essential for accessing the service, was slashed by 21%, dropping from ₦378,000 to ₦299,000, effective in October. However, the monthly subscription remained unchanged at N38,000 per month.
For a comprehensive breakdown of Starlink’s status in all 54 United Nations-recognized African countries, please refer to the table below:
| Country | Estimated Availability Date |
|---|---|
| Algeria | No Planned Launch Date |
| Angola | Q3 2024 |
| Benin | Available |
| Botswana | Q3 2024 |
| Burkina Faso | 2024 |
| Burundi | Q2 2024 |
| Cabo Verde | 2024 |
| Cameroon | 2024 |
| Central African Republic | No Planned Launch Date |
| Comoros | 2024 |
| Chad | 2024 |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 2024 |
| Djibouti | No Planned Launch Date |
| Egypt | 2024 |
| Eritrea | No Planned Launch Date |
| Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) | 2024 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 2024 |
| Gabon | 2024 |
| Gambia | Q2 2024 |
| Ghana | Q3 2024 |
| Guinea | 2024 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 2024 |
| Ivory Coast | 2024 |
| Kenya | Available |
| Lesotho | Q2 2024 |
| Liberia | 2024 |
| Libya | No Planned Launch Date |
| Madagascar | Q2 2024 |
| Malawi | Available |
| Mali | No Planned Launch Date |
| Mauritania | 2024 |
| Mauritius | 2024 |
| Mozambique | Available |
| Morocco | 2024 |
| Namibia | 2024 |
| Nigeria | Available |
| Niger | 2024 |
| Republic of Congo | 2024 |
| Rwanda | Available |
| São Tomé and PrÃncipe | 2024 |
| Senegal | 2024 |
| Seychelles | 2024 |
| Sierra Leone | 2024 |
| South Africa | No Planned Launch Date |
| South Sudan | No Planned Launch Date |
| Somalia | No Planned Launch Date |
| Sudan | No Planned Launch Date |
| Tanzania | Q2 2024 |
| Togo | Q3 2023 |
| Tunisia | 2024 |
| Uganda | 2024 |
| Western Sahara | 2024 |
| Zambia | Available |
| Zimbabwe | Q2 2024 |
While Starlink continues to expand its footprint in Africa, there’s hope that even more countries will soon benefit from the transformative power of satellite internet connectivity. However, challenges remain, particularly in regions where regulatory requirements and ownership restrictions may delay its arrival.