Zimbabwe’s telecom regulator has greenlit the licensing of Elon Musk’s Starlink, permitting the satellite internet unit of SpaceX to commence operations in the southern African nation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the approval on Saturday, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country’s internet infrastructure.
Mnangagwa highlighted the expected benefits of Starlink’s entry into the Zimbabwean market, noting that the decision “is expected to result in the deployment of high speed, low cost, LEO (low-Earth-orbit) internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas.” The introduction of Starlink aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved rural regions.
Starlink will deliver its services in Zimbabwe through its exclusive local partner, IMC Communications. This partnership is poised to transform the internet landscape in Zimbabwe, where only 34.8% of the population had internet access as of a 2021 World Bank report. The country’s internet services have historically been dominated by three major mobile network operators.
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The approval of Starlink’s license comes in the wake of a government crackdown on unregistered users smuggling Starlink kits from neighboring countries like Zambia. This move is part of broader efforts to regulate the burgeoning satellite internet market and ensure compliance with local laws.
Starlink is already available in several African nations, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, and Malawi. However, the regulatory landscape remains challenging. Last month, Cameroon ordered the seizure of Starlink equipment at the country’s ports of entry, citing the provider’s lack of a license.
With the official entry of Starlink, Zimbabwe anticipates a significant improvement in internet access and quality, potentially transforming the digital economy and providing new opportunities for education, business, and communication across the country.
