SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has officially received a license to operate in Somalia, marking a significant step toward improving internet accessibility across the country. The announcement was made by Elon Musk on social media platform X and confirmed by Somalia’s Ministry of Telecommunications.

Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director of Communications at the Ministry, stated that the licensing followed over two years of discussions. “We hope Starlink will increase the quality of the existing internet in Somalia and will make the internet service reach more remote areas,” he said in a video posted by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA). 

Starlink’s network of low Earth orbit satellites is designed to deliver high-speed internet to underserved regions, a proposition that holds significant potential for Somalia, where internet penetration remains low. The service is expected to complement existing infrastructure, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.​

The Somali government views Starlink’s entry as a means to bolster the country’s digital infrastructure and support its broader development goals. By enhancing connectivity, the initiative aims to facilitate economic growth, improve access to education and healthcare, and strengthen communication networks nationwide.​

Starlink’s expansion into Somalia is part of its broader strategy to increase internet coverage across Africa. The company has launched services in several African countries, including Nigeria and Rwanda, and plans to extend its reach to additional nations in the coming years

With the license secured, Starlink is set to begin operations in Somalia, offering a new avenue for internet access and contributing to the country's digital transformation.