Forrester’s Digest: Starlink “sold out” in much of Africa

Starlink is having a profitable time in at least five African countries where its broadband-by-satellite service is available.

The five key nations (Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe) have seen sales paused in the main urban cities because of user demand. Sales will be improved as SpaceX’s Starlink system launches more satellites and thus improves overall bandwidth available.

“We look forward to expanding our testing to include greater coverage; launching hundreds of satellites to enable our text constellation; working toward our voice, data, and IoT constellation in 2025; and expanding our global footprint,” said Starlink in a statement on its website.

However, many African countries remain unavailable to Starlink. Applications are pending with the relevant authorities and Starlink said, “Starting in 2025 for countries such as Senegal, Mauritius, Guinea, Mali, Chad, Cameroon, Togo, both the Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kisangani), Gabon, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola and Namibia.”

Countries as yet not enjoying a service or even a promise from Starlink include South Africa, Ethiopia, Somalia, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Algeria.