Starlink launches in Central African Republic, its 27th African market

Elon Musk-owned satellite internet provider Starlink has today launched in the Central African Republic (CAR). This makes the country the 27th African country to welcome the satellite service, and the second African country it will launch in 2026. 

According to an X post by Starlink with a tag of its availability map, the satellite internet service is now available in the country, signalling its continued expansion in Africa. 

“Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in the Central African Republic,” the post reads.

The launch follows the approval of its license by CAR authorities on December 18, 2025, representing the country’s decision to bridge the digital divide. 

While confirming the license approval in December, the Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts, and Telecommunications explained that Starlink aims to expand national coverage through its high-speed satellite solutions. 

Starlink service offers high-speed internet through a network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The launch follows its entry into Senegal in February, a country seeking to increase internet penetration. 

Also Read: Airtel and Starlink satellite-to-phone service under scrutiny in Kenya.

Starlink in CAR

Starlink’s launch in CAR will be pivotal to enhancing connectivity in a country where rural and remote areas’ internet access is limited. It will also help bridge significant gaps in terrestrial infrastructure and propel its digital economy.

As of January 2025, the country’s population was 5.4 million, and 2.97 million citizens were telecom subscribers. Figures from DataReportal show that about 839,000 individuals are using the internet in the CAR, while online penetration stood at 15.5%. 

On a positive note, the number of mobile connections in the country increased by 182,000 (9.6%) between the start of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, representing a subscriber base increasingly demanding internet access. 

Starlink will be aiming to expand internet coverage and help citizens access quality internet service for digital payment, business operations and social media experience. 

However, the service will face competition from key mobile network operators such as Telecel and Orange, who are the market leaders. All operators will be in the race to fuel 4G expansion,

Starlink, through its LEO satellite network, will be aiming to take the edge. Its connectivity has the strength to provide quality internet service to rural and remote areas that are difficult to serve through conventional telecom infrastructure or when faced with network outages.

How much will it cost?

While Starlink is yet to release a pricing strategy for CAR, it might adopt a related cost it uses in neighbouring Chad. 

Monthly subscription fees in Chad range from $32 (CFA18,000) to $56 (CFA32,000), while equipment costs between $205 (CFA117,000) and $403 (CFA228,000), depending on the model.

Meanwhile, Starlink will face issues with affordability in a country tagged as one of the world’s least developed economies.

The nominal GDP per capita in the Central African Republic is extremely low, estimated at approximately $516 to $531 for 2024–2025.

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