This marks Starlinks 19th market entry in Africa, following its recent expansion into Niger in March 2025.
Somalia has licensed SpaceXs Starlink to operate as an Internet Service Provider (ISP across the country), marking a major step toward expanding connectivity in one of Africas most underserved digital landscapes. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Mogadishu attended by government officials and Starlink representatives.
Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Adan Moalin highlighted the move as part of Somalias push for digital inclusion. We are pleased to welcome Starlink to our country. This step supports our goal of ensuring all Somalis, wherever they are, have access to affordable and far-reaching Internet services, he stated.
While Somalia currently benefits from undersea Internet cables such as the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and the Djibouti Africa Regional Express (DARE1), many rural and nomadic populations remain offline due to limited terrestrial infrastructure. Starlinks satellite technology, powered by a network of low-Earth orbit satellites, offers a practical solution by delivering high-speed Internet without relying on ground-based systems.
The introduction of Starlink is expected to significantly impact key sectors like education, healthcare and commerce by providing more reliable and widespread Internet access. However, pricing remains a concern in the Somali market, with monthly subscription costs ranging between $80 and $120posing a challenge in a country where average annual income is under $500.
Starlinks launch in Somalia adds to its growing footprint in Africa, following recent expansions in Niger and Liberia. As the continent continues to confront low Internet penetration rates, satellite-based services are seen as critical to bridging the digital divide and accelerating socio-economic development.
