Key Points:
- Starlink launches in Sierra Leone, marking its 100th global market and tenth African nation with high-speed internet access.
- With nearly 6,000 satellites, Starlink delivers internet to over 3 million subscribers in 100 countries and territories
- Regulatory approvals across Africa, including in Zimbabwe and Botswana, highlight Starlink’s rapid expansion and digital connectivity impact.
Starlink, the satellite internet service unit of SpaceX, founded by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, has expanded its global presence by launching in Sierra Leone. This milestone marks Sierra Leone as the 100th country connected to Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet service.
Sierra Leone joins growing list of African nations
Sierra Leone is the tenth African nation to access Starlink’s low Earth orbit connectivity technology. Starlink announced the milestone via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, “Starlink is available in Sierra Leone! This marks the 100th country, territory or other market around the world where Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is available.”
This comes a year after Starlink secured approval to operate in Sierra Leone, becoming the fifth African country to grant it an operational license. The move is expected to significantly advance Sierra Leone’s goal of universal connectivity and transform its educational landscape.
Rapid expansion across Africa and beyond
Launched in Africa in 2022, Starlink has rapidly expanded its footprint. The service boasts nearly 6,000 satellites in its constellation, with over 5,200 currently operational. Starlink delivers internet access to more than 3 million subscribers across 100 countries and territories.
Several African countries that had previously banned Starlink have now granted it operational licenses. In April 2024, Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) approved SpaceX’s Starlink, reversing a ban imposed four months earlier. This followed the endorsement of Ghana’s Satellite Licensing Framework by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization.
Starlink also recently secured regulatory approval to operate in Zimbabwe and Botswana, despite initial application rejections. Additionally, the Rwanda Space Agency has granted Starlink a license to launch its services in Rwanda.
Starlink bridging digital divide
Starlink’s innovative technology is poised to bridge the digital divide, bringing reliable internet access to even the most remote regions. This expansion has the potential to foster global connectivity and development.