Somalia approves Elon Musk’s Starlink to boost internet access and digital growth
Starlink operates in over 140 countries globally, with Somalia now becoming its 21st African market.
Somalia has authorised Starlink, the internet company associated with the world's richest man, Elon Musk, to operate in the country in a move expected to improve digital transformation.
Starlink operates in over 140 countries globally, with Somalia now becoming its 21st African market.
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Somalia's Minister of Telecommunication and Technology Mohamed Adan Maalim welcomed Starlink’s interest to operate in the country and said the move shows investor confidence in the country.
“Starlink has fulfilled all required conditions to operate in Somalia in the telecommunications sector. We are happy for an international company which operates in more than 140 countries worldwide and we have become the 21st country in Africa for Starlink to operate,” Mohamed said.
He expressed hopes that Starlink’s entry into the Somalia market will help improve internet affordability and accessibility, especially in rural areas.
“Somalia is recovering from conflict, and we are in the stabilisation phase and, as such, we are getting many requests from international companies to come and invest in our country,” the minister said.
Director of Somalia Communications Authority Mustaf Yasin Sheikh said they have been discussing with Starlink for two years, and Sunday was the culmination of a long discussion. He said Starlink would provide internet service through their satellite, the first such company to operate its satellite in Somalia.
Starlink is a subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 100 countries and territories. It also aims to provide global mobile broadband.
Musk confirmed that his company has been licensed to operate in Somalia.
"Starlink now in Somalia," Musk posted on X.
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