Starlink Expands Footprint in Africa with Launch in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Starlink is now live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing its total reach to 21 African countries, as SpaceX ramps up its efforts to bridge the continent’s digital divide.

The announcement, made by Elon Musk via X (formerly Twitter), follows the Congolese government’s green light to the satellite internet provider after a period of regulatory resistance. This marks a major milestone for the war-impacted Central African nation, where internet penetration remains alarmingly low.

According to recent data from DataReportal, only 30.6% of Congo’s population — about 34 million people out of 105.8 million — had internet access as of January 2025. This means more than 77 million Congolese remain offline, a gap Starlink aims to narrow with its high-speed, low-latency broadband delivered via low-Earth orbit satellites.

Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles

Starlink’s entry into Congo was not without challenges. In early 2024, the country’s Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) banned the service, citing national security concerns over potential misuse by rebel groups such as M23. The military had warned against its deployment, fearing it could empower insurgent communications.

Yet in a dramatic policy reversal, the same regulator announced just last week that Starlink had received a license to operate in the country. While no official explanation was given, the nation’s growing digital infrastructure crisis likely played a role in the government’s shift.

Why Starlink Matters for Congo

Congo’s topography and instability have long hindered telecom infrastructure development, especially in rural and conflict-prone zones. Starlink’s satellite-based model sidesteps these challenges by delivering internet directly from space, offering a lifeline to remote areas with little to no coverage.

The launch is expected to not only improve individual access but also boost educational access, digital commerce, emergency response, and cross-border communication.

A Rapid African Expansion

The DRC launch comes on the heels of Starlink’s rollout in Somalia, Lesotho, and Niger earlier in 2025. The company has quickly become a dominant force in Africa’s satellite internet landscape, now operating in 21 countries and preparing to enter Uganda and India.