SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has officially launched in Somalia, marking another significant step in expanding internet access across Africa. The announcement was made by SpaceX owner Elon Musk on X, confirming Somalia as the latest African nation to authorize Starlink's operations. This follows recent approvals in Niger last month and Liberia in January, highlighting Starlink's growing footprint on the continent.

A launch ceremony was held in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, with government officials and Starlink representatives in attendance. Mustafa Yasiin, director of communication in the telecommunications ministry, stated that negotiations with Starlink had been ongoing for two and a half years. He expressed hope that Starlink would enhance the quality of internet service in Somalia and extend its reach to more remote areas.

Somalia already benefits from several undersea internet cables. However, Starlink's satellite service is poised to significantly improve connectivity in the country's underserved regions. This expansion aligns with a broader effort to increase internet access across Africa, where only 40% of the 1.3 billion population is currently online, resulting in the lowest internet penetration rate globally.

Despite its progress, Starlink has encountered regulatory challenges in certain countries. South Africa, the continent's most industrialized economy, remains a notable exception. In August 2023, South African authorities prohibited the import of Starlink kits, effectively blocking access to SpaceX's satellite internet service.