Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is now officially live in Guinea‑Bissau, marking its seventh launch in West Africa and its 23rd country across Africa. The rollout took place on June 18, 2025, following a provisional licence granted in December 2024 and full regulatory approval in April 2025 by Guinea‑Bissau’s National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (ARN‑TIC).
Starlink's high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Guinea-Bissau!
— Starlink (@Starlink) June 18, 2025→ https://t.co/JZGRBl64v7 pic.twitter.com/N3OllR7L9I
With internet penetration hovering around 30% in Guinea‑Bissau, Starlink’s high‑speed, low‑latency service offers a critical lifeline to one of West Africa’s least connected countries. The standard starter kit is priced at roughly FCFA 228,000 (~USD 400), while monthly residential plans range from FCFA 18,000 (USD 31) for a 250 GB package to FCFA 36,000 (USD 63) for full access. A more portable “Minikit” is also available at FCFA 117,000 (USD 205).
A Growing African Footprint
Starlink’s entry into Guinea‑Bissau underscores its expanding pan‑African strategy. As of June 2025, it operates in 23 African markets including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Ghana, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has recently secured operational approvals in Somalia and Lesotho, with service expected to commence soon.
A strategic partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX aims to accelerate Starlink’s rollout across additional countries, leveraging Airtel’s existing network and satellite expertise.
Regulatory and Technical Challenges
Not all developments have been smooth. In South Africa, lawmakers fiercely debated proposed changes to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules that could ease Starlink’s entry. Critics argued the moves constituted special treatment for Elon Musk’s company. Meanwhile, astronomers associated with the SKA‑Mid radio telescope raised concerns about interference from Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites, pressing regulators to include protective licensing conditions.
Adding to tensions, Starlink recently suspended roaming services in South Africa, affecting users who had been operating under provisional arrangements. The site began notifying users that they were in “unauthorised territory” techafricanews.com.
Elsewhere, amid these regulatory complexities, Airtel Africa’s collaboration with SpaceX has been framed as a dual-market expansion akin to a previous joint effort in India—aimed at improving connectivity in underserved rural communities.
Why It Matters
Satellite internet services like Starlink offer transformative potential for countries with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Guinea‑Bissau has long been dependent on fragile fiber links from Senegal and Guinea‑Conakry, serviced by just two major operators. By bypassing traditional “last-mile” constraints, Starlink delivers fast, reliable internet that could revolutionise education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
Across Africa, Starlink’s rollout reflects a broader quest for digital resilience, particularly in remote or underdeveloped regions. However, striking a balance between rapid deployment and compliance with local regulations, protecting astronomical facilities, and equitable ownership standards remains a complex challenge.
Looking Ahead
Starlink is steadily stitching together an African network that champions connectivity—from South Sudan and Liberia to major economies like Nigeria and South Africa. While regulatory and technical headwinds persist, partnerships (such as with Airtel) and country-level licenses in Guinea‑Bissau, Somalia, and Lesotho signal sustained momentum.
If these efforts are sustained responsibly, this satellite network could help close the digital gap and support inclusive socio-economic development across the continent.
