by In a landmark decision, Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially granted an operational license to Elon Musk’s Starlink. This move positions Somalia as the 19th African nation to embrace the revolutionary satellite internet service, promising to bridge the country’s significant connectivity gap.
Starlink will deploy services in phases, prioritizing rural areas first. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but officials promise “affordable” plans.
Source: NCA
Historic Announcement in Mogadishu
Somalia follows Niger, where Starlink launched in March 2025, joining Kenya, Mozambique, and 15 others. The service now spans 19 African markets, targeting regions where traditional internet providers struggle.
The announcement was made during a formal ceremony in Mogadishu on April 13, 2025. Senior government officials and Starlink representatives, including Ryan Goodnight and Micaela Pawlak, attended the event.
Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of the NCA, hailed the development as a “milestone in bridging Somalia’s digital divide.” He said:
“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.”
Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Mo’allim echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to making affordable internet accessible to all citizens, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Starlink’s Role in Transforming Somalia’s Internet Landscape
Starlink’s entry into Somalia is expected to revolutionize internet access in a country where only 30% of the population currently has connectivity. Somalia’s poor infrastructure has historically hindered reliable internet services. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite network promises to change this by providing high-speed internet even in remote regions. This will benefit critical sectors such as education, healthcare, disaster response, and small businesses.
The service will complement existing undersea internet cables and expand coverage to areas previously unreachable by traditional infrastructure. This aligns with Somalia’s broader digital transformation agenda.
Elon Musk’s Vision for Africa: Starlink’s Growing Footprint
Elon Musk’s Starlink has been rapidly expanding across Africa since its debut in Nigeria in January 2023. Today, it operates in 19 African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The service has been a game-changer for nations with low internet penetration rates—Africa averages only 40% connectivity among its 1.3 billion people.
Here is a snapshot of Starlink’s adoption across Africa:
| Country | Launch Date |
| Nigeria | January 2023 |
| Rwanda | February 2023 |
| Mozambique | June 2023 |
| Kenya | July 2023 |
| Malawi | July 2023 |
| Zimbabwe | September 2024 |
| Liberia | January 2025 |
| Niger | March 2025 |
Starlink now serves over 2.6 million users globally through its network of approximately 5,500 satellites.
Challenges and Opportunities for Starlink in Africa
While Starlink has gained traction across much of Africa, it faces challenges in some regions. Regulatory hurdles have delayed its entry into South Africa, where local laws require telecommunications companies to cede at least 30% ownership to historically disadvantaged groups. Despite these setbacks, Starlink continues to push forward aggressively.
Critics argue that Starlink’s lack of investment in local infrastructure gives it an unfair advantage over traditional telecom providers. However, proponents see it as a vital tool for bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.
What This Means for Somalia
For Somalia, granting Starlink a license signals a commitment to technological advancement and digital inclusion. The service is expected to empower communities by enabling access to global markets and educational resources while improving government services and disaster response capabilities.
As Elon Musk celebrated on social media with the post “Starlink now in Somalia!”, the country joins a growing list of nations leveraging cutting-edge technology to overcome infrastructural challenges.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s Starlink continues to reshape Africa’s digital landscape with its rapid expansion. In Somalia, it represents not just an internet solution but a step toward closing the digital divide that has long held back development.
As the service rolls out across the country, it promises transformative benefits for millions of Somalis and sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
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