Elon Musk-owned satellite internet constellation, Starlink, has officially been granted operational license approval to launch its services in Somalia.
The launch of the satellite internet service provider in the East African country, is expected to enhance internet coverage and significantly improve digital inclusion nationwide.
Speaking on the launch of Starlink, the Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Somalia, said,
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“Starlink’s entry into Somalia represents a significant milestone in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in our country, this partnership will especially benefit individuals and institutions in rural areas, where internet access has been extremely limited.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications and Technology, H.E. Mohamed Mo’allim said,
“We welcome Starlink’s entry to Somalia. This initiative aligns with our vision to deliver affordable and accessible internet services to all Somalis, regardless of where they live.”
Somalia’s internet landscape has evolved rapidly from near-isolation to growing connectivity. In the past, decades of civil conflict and minimal infrastructure left Somalia largely offline. Today, internet access is increasingly recognized as vital for economic recovery, social development, and security.
The impact of improved internet connectivity cannot be overstated. For many Somalis, particularly those residing in rural and underserved areas, reliable internet access has remained elusive. The Somali government and its partners have recognized that improving internet access is crucial for national development, and they have started several policies and initiatives to foster the ICT sector.
However, Somalia’s internet penetration remains relatively low and uneven. Average mobile download speeds hover around 17 Mbps, which, while modest, enables basic broadband services for users. By contrast, traditional fixed-line broadband is virtually absent for residential consumers only about 1% of Somalis have a fixed internet subscription.
Only about 1% of the population has a high-speed fixed connection (>256 kbps), as most households rely instead on mobile broadband or community Wi-Fi hubs. It’s worth noting that until recently, each region had its dominant provider, and interconnection between networks was lacking. Now, with regulatory efforts, all major operators are interconnected and collectively expanding services. Overall, Somalia’s current internet landscape can be summarized as mobile-centric, rapidly improving in urban areas, but still facing gaps in rural connectivity and fixed broadband penetration.
Starlink’s low-latency, high-speed satellite internet aims to bridge this digital divide. The introduction of Starlink in Somalia represents more than just a technological advancement. It’s about empowering communities, fostering economic growth, and facilitating access to essential services like education and healthcare.
In a nation where traditional infrastructure faces significant challenges, satellite internet offers a viable and efficient solution. Starlink’s Somali launch is part of a broader African strategy that began in Nigeria in 2023 and now includes Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and others. With a subscriber base exceeding 1.5 million globally and a valuation surpassing USD 150 billion, SpaceX is leveraging emerging markets to fuel growth.
Notably, Somalia’s 2025 Digital Inclusion Policy, which prioritizes rural access and telemedicine, aligns with Starlink’s capabilities, potentially attracting further foreign investment in energy, logistics, and mining. As Somalia joins the global satellite broadband market, projected to hit USD 83 billion by 2030 with a 22% CAGR, Starlink’s launch underscores a broader truth, that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a foundation for economic and social progress.
Whether it leapfrogs Somalia’s infrastructure challenges or falters under cost and security pressures remains to be seen, but the potential to unlock opportunities for millions is undeniable.