Elon Musk-owned satellite internet Starlink, has officially expanded its services to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), extending its reach in Africa to 21 countries.
Starlink’s launch in the Central African country comes after the Congolese government lifted an earlier ban on the satellite internet.
Recall that in March 2024, Starlink was banned by the DRC government due to security concerns. The Congolese government, particularly military officials, feared that the satellite internet service could be used by rebel groups, such as the Rwandan-backed M23, for unmonitored communication, posing a threat to national security.
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The DRC’s low internet penetration (only about 30% of the population had access in 2023) and ongoing conflict in the eastern regions heightened these concerns, as the decentralized nature of Starlink’s service made it difficult to regulate. Additionally, Starlink was operating without a proper license, violating local telecommunications regulations.
However, the ban was reversed on May 2, 2025, when the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority granted Starlink a license to operate, allowing the company to begin services soon after.
The policy shift was likely influenced by the potential for Starlink to improve connectivity in underserved areas and possibly by diplomatic or economic considerations, though specific reasons for the reversal were not detailed.
For the Democratic Republic of Congo, Starlink’s entry would play a significant role in turning around internet connectivity in the country. According to the International Telecommunication Union, War-torn Congo has low connectivity, and only around 30 percent of the population has internet access as of 2023.
Nearly half of mobile internet users express dissatisfaction with service quality, citing frequent network and connection issues, as well as concerns over rapidly depleting data packages. Internet penetration is notably higher in urban centers like Kinshasa and certain eastern provinces, while rural and conflict-affected areas face limited access.
The DRC’s mobile connectivity sector is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing demand for digital services and strategic investments in infrastructure. However, addressing challenges related to cost, quality, and geographic disparities will be crucial to ensure inclusive and sustainable digital inclusion.
SpaceX Starlink’s entry into the country will aim to provide fast and reliable internet access in remote and underserved regions. Leveraging a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the company offers broadband internet with impressive speeds and reduced latency compared to traditional satellite services.
In addition to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Starlink has launched in several other African nations, including Niger, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. This expansion aims to enhance internet access in rural and underserved areas, challenging traditional telecommunications operators.
As Starlink recently launches in DR Congo, the Satellite Internet is deepening its footprint across Africa, as it aims to enhance internet connectivity in underserved and rural areas, where traditional infrastructure is often lacking.
Notably, Starlink’s aggressive push in Africa has prompted traditional telecom companies to adapt their pricing strategies, as the satellite internet service offers low-latency connectivity to areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking. Meanwhile, despite these advancements, some countries, such as South Africa, have yet to approve Starlink’s operations.
Overall, Starlink’s expansion across Africa represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and providing reliable internet access to millions of people in underserved regions