MOGADISHU – April 13, 2025
Somalia has officially authorized Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, to begin operations in the country, marking a major milestone in Somalia’s digital infrastructure ambitions.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) announced on Sunday that it has granted an operating license to Starlink. The decision, formalized during a ceremony in the capital Mogadishu, opens the door for the global satellite service to begin rolling out internet connectivity across the nation, including in underserved and hard-to-reach regions.
The event was attended by senior Somali government officials and Starlink executives. Ryan Goodnight, Senior Director of Market Access at Starlink, and Micaela Pawlak, Market Access Manager, both represented the company during the announcement. They emphasized Starlink’s readiness to deploy services across Somalia in the near future, promising faster, more reliable internet even in areas without traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
“Starlink’s entry into Somalia will significantly enhance nationwide efforts to expand digital access,” said Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director of the Communications Authority. He highlighted the role of satellite-based services in bridging gaps left by Somalia’s existing internet infrastructure, which currently relies on undersea fiber-optic cables concentrated in urban centers.
The inclusion of Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite technology is expected to be a game-changer for Somalia’s rural communities, where conventional broadband has been either unreliable or entirely absent. With over 60% of the population living in rural areas, connectivity has long been viewed as a development bottleneck.
Somalia’s telecommunications sector is already one of the most competitive in the region, with mobile penetration exceeding 70%. However, access to high-speed, stable internet has been largely limited to cities like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo.
Starlink’s presence is expected to help Somalia leap forward in the digital age—boosting access to education, health services, business opportunities, and government services for millions.
This development aligns with broader regional trends as more African nations embrace satellite technology to improve connectivity and close the digital divide. Starlink is already operational in several other African countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya.