Starlink is set to expand its market in Africa with upcoming launches in Botswana, Ghana, and Kenya. However, Starlink has obstacles to overcome before launching in the new markets.
Botswana finally granted SpaceX an operating license for Starlink after rejecting the company’s application in February 2024. SpaceX submitted an application to run Starlink services in Botswana in May 2023. The application was denied by Botswana due to missing information, reported local media.
Botswana’s president met with a SpaceX team in May 2024, paving the way for Starlink services in the country. With a license in hand, it is only a matter of time before Botswana joins other African countries that have approved Starlink, including Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
Besides Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Kenya have also granted licenses enabling SpaceX to start Starlink operations in their countries. SpaceX was expected to launch Starlink operations in Ghana by the end of August 2024. However, the deadline is fast approaching, and no launch is in sight.
Ghana’s Starlink launch might have been delayed as SpaceX figures out the proper price to set its services and hardware in the country. SpaceX might release a rental plan in Ghana for Starlink services and hardware, similar to its approach in the Kenyan market.
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