Elon Musk’s Starlink faces regulatory battles across Africa

While the technology promises to revolutionise internet access on the continent, it faces a mixed reception from various national authorities. From outright bans to conditional approvals, Starlink's expansion efforts remain uncertain.

South Africa

In South Africa, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) ordered IT Lec, the sole importer of Starlink kits, to halt the importation and sale of Starlink products. Despite IT Lec finding workarounds to serve customers, ICASA has issued a stern warning to abandon these methods. 

In a recent email to South African users, Starlink announced that their internet access would cease on April 30 due to violations of its terms and conditions, emphasizing that using Starlink kits outside designated areas is prohibited. 

ICASA mandates that applicants must have 30% ownership from historically disadvantaged groups to obtain a license. Many South Africans have resorted to purchasing roaming packages from countries where Starlink is licensed to bypass these restrictions.

Botswana

Botswana’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) initially prohibited the importation, use, and sale of Starlink kits and services, rejecting Starlink’s application to operate in the country. However, in a recent turn of events, the Botswana Presidency announced that Starlink had been granted an operating license. This decision followed a meeting between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Starlink’s Director of Global Licensing and Activation, Ben MacWilliams. The President instructed the regulator to expedite the licensing process within two weeks. 

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa granted Starlink a license after an exclusive partnership was agreed upon with a telco owned by his associate, Wicknell Chivayo. This move aims to deploy high-speed, low-cost, low-Earth-orbit (LEO) internet infrastructure across Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas. The decision "is expected to result in the deployment of high speed, low cost, LEO (low-Earth-orbit) internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas," Mnangagwa said in a statement. Prior to the licensing, Starlink devices had been illegal in Zimbabwe since January 2024, with the telecommunications authority threatening arrests for those distributing or advertising the devices. 

Cameroon

In April, Cameroon ordered the seizure of Starlink equipment at its ports of entry, as the provider was not licensed. Customs Director General Fongod Edwin Nuvaga highlighted that the technology poses a national security threat due to its unrestricted, ultra-fast internet connection capabilities. The seizures will continue until the telecoms regulator licenses and regulates Starlink in the country. 

Côte d'Ivoire

In March, Côte d'Ivoire's Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (Artci) warned Starlink against operating in the country without due approval. This warning followed internet disruptions in several West and Central African nations caused by damage to submarine cables. 

Ghana

In April, the National Communications Authority (NCA) approved SpaceX's Starlink to operate in Ghana, allowing the company to provide satellite broadband services. This approval followed the policy endorsement of Ghana's Satellite Licensing Framework by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation. Previously, the NCA had declared Starlink illegal, stating that selling Starlink equipment or services violated the Electronic Communications Act 2008. This development makes Ghana the eighth African country to approve Starlink, joining Nigeria, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda.  

Meanwhile, several other African countries, including Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Senegal, Botswana, and Mali, have declared the internet satellite company illegal.