SpaceX launched its Starlink service in Ivory Coast on July 16, 2026, followed by a rollout in the Seychelles two days later. These launches mark the 27th and 28th countries across Africa where Starlink is available out of a total of 54.
Starlink delivers satellite-based internet connectivity through a network of thousands of small satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes. Customers use satellite dishes to connect with satellites overhead, making this service particularly appealing in regions lacking conventional infrastructure such as fiber-optic cables or mobile towers. However, the service’s capacity is inherently limited; the bandwidth available is shared among all users within a satellite’s coverage area. Consequently, internet service providers must either expand their fleets of satellites or restrict the number of customers to maintain service quality.
Ivory Coast’s Licensing Developments
The Broadcasting and Communications Regulatory Authority, known as ARTCI, has issued a 12-month provisional operating license to Starlink Network CIV, a local entity. Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Innovation, shared this news during government discussions on June 11, indicating that the service’s quality will be evaluated at the end of the licensing period. It’s worth noting that ARTCI had previously cautioned in 2024 that Starlink lacked necessary operating licenses in the country.
The government’s goal is to extend coverage to rural areas, aiming to connect remote communities, schools, and medical facilities that currently lack fiber or mobile services. This initiative coincides with the rollout of 5G technology in urban centers with populations exceeding 25,000.
According to Space in Africa, the monthly cost for a Starlink housing package in Ivory Coast is approximately CHF28,746, or around $50, offering speeds up to 100 Mbps. The standard satellite dish retails for CFA 247,466, while a mini version is available for CFA 148,148.
In addition to Starlink, mobile companies Orange and MTN already provide satellite broadband through partnerships with French operator Eutelsat. Orange began offering its services in January, followed by MTN in April. While both companies are enhancing their existing mobile and fixed networks with satellite capacity, Starlink offers direct-to-home services.
Barriers to Entry in the Market
Starlink’s availability across Africa is not solely driven by coverage options, as the satellites have already passed over every nation on the continent. Instead, the ability to operate hinges on securing the appropriate licenses, which can vary dramatically from as low as US$32,000 to upwards of US$575,000, according to Space in Africa.
Reviewing Starlink’s coverage map reveals that by 2026, there are plans to expand into 18 more African nations, including Western Sahara. However, eight countries, such as South Africa, Algeria, and Egypt, currently have no definitive launch date, with Ethiopia noticeably absent from the rollout plans altogether. In June, Starlink data placed Ethiopia in an undefined status, suggesting that the number of countries without a timeline may be higher than reported.
South Africa represents a significant market where Starlink has yet to establish operations. In June, the Ministry of Communications announced that ICASA had not received any licensing applications from Starlink, as local regulations require 30% of ownership to be held by historically disadvantaged groups. Meanwhile, the company is awaiting alterations to regulations, which could allow foreign investors to meet ownership requirements through capital investments instead of equity shares.
Kenya’s Emerging Market Trends
Starlink’s service has been available in Kenya since July 2023. According to the Telecommunications Bureau, the service had nearly 25,000 subscribers by the end of March 2026, capturing roughly 0.9% of the fixed internet market. This increase of 2,717 subscribers was modest compared to a significant rise of 83,107 fixed internet subscribers recorded by Safaricom during the same period.
As Starlink’s subscriber base has expanded, its reported speeds have decreased. Ookla recorded a median download speed of 34.55 Mbps in March 2026, down from approximately 47 Mbps a year prior. Despite this drop, satellite internet remains the fastest-growing fixed internet technology in the country, with an increase of 11.4% during the quarter.
However, starting in early July, Starlink ceased accepting new customers in several key counties, including Nairobi and Mombasa. The service website now informs potential customers that service is currently at capacity in these regions, offering them the option to pay a deposit for a future service opportunity. As of late July, African Space reported that there were 11 markets across the continent experiencing similar service outages, primarily in urban areas.
SpaceX’s Innovative Strategy
Recent hardware developments from SpaceX suggest a shift towards manufacturing more cost-effective solutions rather than just expanding user capacity. The new V5 dish, unveiled in mid-July, weighs 1.1 kg and consumes only 35-50 watts of power, a significant reduction from previous models that required 75-100 watts. In the US, this dish is now included exclusively in a budget-friendly 100 Mbps residential plan.
Additionally, Starlink is set to introduce a satellite service that does not require a dish for connectivity. Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to bring Starlink Direct-to-Cell services to all 14 African markets, including Kenya, reaching an estimated 174 million subscribers. This service enables standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites, even in regions lacking cellular masts. Initial offerings will include text messaging and limited data services, pending individual country approvals.
Amid these developments, Kenya has also amended its regulations. The Communication Authority now requires all Starlink subscribers to verify their identities with national population registries. Additionally, older less expensive satellite licenses have been replaced with higher-cost options, while Amazon has submitted its own application for a satellite license in Kenya and is establishing Africa’s first ground station there.
Future Considerations for Starlink
The freeze on new subscriptions in Nairobi lasted about seven months, from November through June, which resulted in a net loss of customers for Starlink during that time. Observers will be keen to see if this trend continues or if the upcoming quarterly report from the Department of Communications will reveal adverse effects on Starlink’s subscriber growth. Furthermore, there will be interest in whether the anticipated 100 Mbps residential plan and the new V5 dish will soon be available in Kenya, particularly since they offer significant reductions in both monthly and upfront costs.
As of early July, no changes have occurred for potential customers in the affected counties. Individuals can either pay a deposit to join a waiting list with no specified timeline or pursue alternative options, including fiber-optic or fixed wireless services from providers that remain open for business.
