Starlink has received the green light to begin operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a previous ban. Reuters reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo said that it had become the latest African country to grant a license to Starlink.
In March 2024, the Congolese government announced that Starlink was banned from operating in the country, following concerns from military officials that it could be used by rebel groups, such as the Rwandan-backed M23, which had taken over more territory than ever in the east of the country that year.
Internet access in Congo
The DRC has some of the lowest internet connectivity on the continent, with around only 30% of the population online as of 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union. Infrastructure limitations and ongoing conflict have also made it tricky to build terrestrial internet networks, particularly in remote and rural areas. Starlink could bring fiber or mobile broadband to areas where connectivity is limited.
In May 2025, L’Autorité de régulation de la poste et des télécommunications du Congo (ARPTC) granted Starlink the appropriate licenses under the DRC’s telecommunications and ICT regulatory framework. Under this structure, Starlink DRC S.A is able to operate as an internet service provider (ISP).
Starlink expanding in Africa
DRC joins the list of African countries that have granted Starlink access in their respective countries. Somalia and Lesotho granted Starlink the license to operate in April, bringing the total number of countries on the continent with active or planned Starlink service to 20, as stated by Telecoms Tech News.
The satellite internet service has operated in Ghana since August 2024, but lacks a local office and customer support. Minister Samuel George has given Starlink one month to meet national regulations.
In South Africa, Starlink’s launch was initially blocked over Elon Musk’s refusal to meet Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules. Now, the government has offered Starlink a workaround to comply through equity-equivalent investments in areas like infrastructure and rural workforce development.
Image: Scott Evans
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