Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, has expanded its operations into Niger, as the country’s military government has granted it a five-year license to provide high-speed connectivity. This move makes Niger the latest African country to approve Starlink, following its recent launch in Liberia in January.
Niger has one of the lowest internet penetration rates in Africa, with only 32% of its population having online access. The country’s digital infrastructure is underdeveloped, covering just 30% of its territory, leaving vast rural areas disconnected. This limited access is attributed to low investment in the sector and ongoing attacks on communication infrastructure by armed groups, according to the electronic communications regulator ARCEP.
By leveraging satellite technology, Starlink aims to bridge this connectivity gap and provide fast, reliable internet access across the country. This initiative is part of a broader trend to improve connectivity in Africa, where only 40% of the population has internet access, the lowest rate globally.
Despite its expansion in other African nations, Starlink has faced challenges in some countries. For instance, the service remains absent in South Africa, the continent’s largest and most industrialized economy. In August 2023, South Africa banned the import of Starlink kits, cutting off the country from SpaceX’s satellite internet service.
Starlink, which serves over 2.6 million customers worldwide, offers broadband internet through a network of approximately 5,500 satellites deployed by SpaceX since 2019. The service aims to provide reliable connectivity to underserved areas and bridge the digital divide in regions with limited access to traditional internet infrastructure.
