Africa: Starlink Expands in Africa With Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau Rollout

Africa: Starlink Expands in Africa With Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau Rollout


TLDR

  • Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has launched in Lesotho and Guinea-Bissau, adding momentum to its African expansion
  • In Lesotho, the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) granted Starlink a 10-year Network Service License
  • Starlink received full approval from Guinea-Bissau in April 2025 after securing a provisional license in December 2024

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has launched in Lesotho and Guinea-Bissau, adding momentum to its African expansion and extending services to 24 countries on the continent. In Lesotho, the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) granted Starlink a 10-year Network Service License on April 14, 2025, following a year-long regulatory review.

The move aligns with Lesotho’s digital inclusion agenda, aiming to expand high-speed connectivity to rural and underserved areas. The standard Starlink kit is priced at ZAR 7,400 ($410.80), with a monthly plan of ZAR 950 ($52.70). A lower-cost Minikit is available at ZAR 3,800 ($210.95).

Meanwhile, in Guinea-Bissau, Starlink received full approval in April 2025 after securing a provisional license in December 2024. The launch was welcomed by the National Regulatory Authority (ARN-TIC) as a key step toward raising internet penetration, currently below 30%. The Standard Kit retails at FCFA 228,000 ($400), with monthly plans starting at FCFA 36,000 ($63). The Minikit is available for FCFA 117,000 ($205).