Starlink Expands African Presence with Launch in Democratic Republic of Congo

SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink, has officially launched in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking its 21st operational country on the African continent. The announcement was made by CEO Elon Musk via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on May 4, 2025.

This development follows the DRC government's decision to grant Starlink a license, reversing a previous ban imposed in March 2024. The initial prohibition stemmed from concerns that the service could be exploited by rebel groups, notably the Rwandan-backed M23, which has been active in the eastern regions of the country.

With only about 30% of the Congolese population having internet access as of 2023, Starlink's entry is poised to significantly enhance connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas. The service leverages a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet, offering a viable solution where traditional infrastructure is lacking.

Starlink's expansion in Africa has been rapid, with recent launches in countries like Somalia and Lesotho in April 2025. The company is also in discussions to establish operations in neighboring Uganda, following a meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and Starlink representatives.

As Starlink continues to broaden its footprint across the continent, its presence in the DRC represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering greater internet accessibility in regions that have historically been underserved.