by Smart Zambia has launched a significant initiative to bring Starlink to the remote area of Shiwang’andu. This expansion delivers high-speed satellite internet to one of Zambia’s most underserved districts.
Residents of Shiwang’andu, who have been long cut off from reliable internet, now enjoy fast and stable connections. This breakthrough is transforming lives and opening new doors for education, healthcare, and business.
Smart Zambia Leads Starlink in Remote Shiwang’andu Rollout
The Starlink in remote Shiwang’andu project is spearheaded by the e-Government Division, known as Smart Zambia Institute. Operating under the Office of the President, Smart Zambia focuses on digital government services and bridging the digital divide. The expansion aligns with the Electronic Government Act No. 41 of 2021, aiming to improve access to government services through technology.
Smart Zambia’s team installed Starlink terminals across Shiwang’andu, enabling broadband speeds previously unavailable in the area. This move empowers citizens with access to online learning, telemedicine, and e-government platforms. The initiative also supports local entrepreneurs by connecting them to broader markets.
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Starlink in Remote Shiwang’andu: Community and Economic Impact
Before this expansion, Shiwang’andu’s internet was slow or non-existent. With Starlink in remote Shiwang’andu, schools can stream lessons, clinics can consult specialists remotely, and businesses can operate online.
Smart Zambia plans to establish Digital Transformation Centres using Starlink to provide free internet and digital skills training.
Youth in Shiwang’andu are mainly benefiting. They gain digital literacy and access to job portals, grants, and entrepreneurial resources. This initiative aligns with Zambia’s broader goal to empower young people through technology.
Starlink Expansion in Africa: Connecting the Continent
The Starlink in remote Shiwang’andu expansion is part of a larger Starlink rollout across Africa. By March 2025, Starlink had launched in 18 African countries, including Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi. This satellite internet service addresses Africa’s connectivity challenges, where less than 40% of the population has internet access.
Starlink utilizes low-Earth orbit satellites to provide fast and reliable internet to rural and remote areas. This technology bypasses the need for expensive cable infrastructure, making it ideal for Africa’s vast and diverse terrain.
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Partnerships Drive Starlink Expansion in Africa
Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX to accelerate the rollout of Starlink in nine countries, including Zambia. This collaboration integrates Starlink’s satellite internet with Airtel’s mobile network. Together, they aim to connect millions in rural and underserved regions, improving access to education, healthcare, and business services.
The partnership targets areas with limited fiber or tower infrastructure, using Starlink for last-mile connectivity and cellular backhaul. This approach promises more stable and faster internet for millions of Africans.
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Starlink in Remote Shiwang’andu and Beyond
The Starlink in remote Shiwang’andu project is a milestone for Zambia’s digital future. Smart Zambia plans to extend Starlink coverage to more remote districts, ensuring no community is left offline. This expansion will fuel economic growth, enhance government service delivery, and empower citizens with technology.
As Starlink continues to spread across Africa, the continent moves closer to bridging the digital divide. The Starlink in remote Shiwang’andu initiative exemplifies how satellite internet can transform lives, communities, and nations.
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