Elon Musk’s Starlink gains ground in Lesotho and Somalia

Key Points

• Lesotho grants Starlink 10-year license as part of efforts to modernize infrastructure and attract U.S. investment amid new tariffs on key exports.
• Somalia approves national license for Starlink, aiming to boost access to education, healthcare, and finance in underserved, conflict-affected areas.
• Starlink expands African footprint, now active in over six countries, with terminals for Lesotho and Somalia arriving in coming months.

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has received the green light to begin operations in Lesotho and Somalia—another step in its growing presence across Africa. The move comes as countries across the continent ramp up efforts to improve digital connectivity and attract foreign investment.

Lesotho grants Starlink 10-year license

In Lesotho, the mountain kingdom surrounded by South Africa, regulators have granted Starlink a 10-year license. The government sees this as part of a broader push to modernize its digital infrastructure and strengthen ties with international partners, especially the United States. The approval also comes at a delicate time, as Lesotho faces new U.S. tariffs on major exports such as diamonds and garments for brands like Levi Strauss & Co.

Prime Minister Sam Matekane has committed to cutting red tape and encouraging American investment. The arrival of Starlink is being viewed not just as a tech development, but also as a strategic step in that direction. With its satellite-powered network, Starlink is expected to bring dependable internet to both urban centers and remote highland communities that have long struggled with poor connectivity.

Starlink expands digital access in Somalia

Somalia, meanwhile, is preparing for a major leap forward in digital access. The country’s communications regulator has issued Starlink a national license, allowing it to operate across one of the least connected regions in the world.

Starlink’s system, which relies on low-Earth orbit satellites, eliminates the need for expensive and often damaged ground infrastructure—something Somalia has lacked due to decades of conflict and limited investment.

“This is a transformative moment for Somalia’s digital future,” said Mustafa Yasin, Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), during the signing ceremony in Mogadishu. Officials say Starlink could open up new access to education, healthcare, banking, and humanitarian services, particularly in remote or underserved areas.

Starlink’s expansion

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person with a net worth of $311 billion, has emphasized Starlink’s mission to reach areas with limited internet access. The service is now available on every continent, with Africa seen as a key growth region.

Terminals for both Lesotho and Somalia are expected to arrive in the coming months, with pricing and rollout details still to come. Starlink is already active in several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Mozambique.

With the addition of Lesotho and Somalia, Starlink continues to play a growing role in bridging Africa’s digital divide, helping more communities get online and opening the door to new social and economic opportunities.