Starlink secures 10-year license to operate in Lesotho less than 24 hours after Somalia approval

Lesotho has granted a 10-year operating license to Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, to provide high-speed internet across the southern African mountain kingdom. The announcement, made by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) on Monday, April 14, 2025, comes less than 24 hours after Somalia confirmed its own approval for Starlink’s operations, signalling a rapid expansion of the company’s footprint on the continent.

The LCA described the decision as a “significant step forward in the country’s digital transformation”, emphasising its alignment with efforts to foster a competitive, transparent, and innovative communications sector.

“This licence underscores our unwavering commitment to enabling economic growth and fostering innovation,” the authority said in a statement.

The approval follows Starlink’s application submitted in April 2024, which had sparked debate over foreign ownership and local economic inclusion.

Lesotho, a landlocked country of about 2.3 million people, has struggled with limited internet access, particularly in its rugged rural areas where traditional infrastructure is costly to deploy. With only a fraction of the population connected to reliable internet, Starlink’s satellite-based technology promises to bridge this digital divide by delivering high-speed, low-latency internet without the need for extensive ground networks. The LCA highlighted that the service could transform sectors such as education, healthcare, and commerce, particularly in remote communities.

The timing of Lesotho’s decision is notable, as it follows closely on the heels of Somalia’s approval on April 13, 2025. Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) granted Starlink a license to operate, aiming to boost connectivity in a country where only about 30% of the population has internet access, according to 2022 World Bank data.

Somalia’s Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Mo’allim, welcomed the move, stating it aligns with the government’s vision for affordable internet access nationwide. The rapid succession of approvals in both nations underscores Starlink’s aggressive push to expand in Africa, where internet penetration remains low.

Starlink gets a node from Lesotho amidst criticism

In Lesotho, the decision was not without controversy. Starlink’s application faced opposition from civil society groups like SECTION 2, which argued that the company’s 100% foreign ownership could undermine national interests.

Critics, including Vodacom Lesotho’s Managing Director Mohale Ralebitso, called for local shareholding to ensure economic benefits for Basotho citizens. Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane’s administration pressed forward, viewing Starlink as a potential catalyst for economic growth amid strained trade relations with the United States. Lesotho recently faced a 50% tariff on its textile exports to the U.S., a blow to its economy, and some analysts suggest the licence approval may be part of broader efforts to strengthen ties with American businesses.

Starlink’s entry into Lesotho is expected to complement existing efforts to improve connectivity. Local providers like Vodacom and Econet Telecom Lesotho have made strides in urban areas, but rural coverage remains sparse. Starlink’s constellation of over 6,750 low-Earth orbit satellites offers a solution by bypassing the need for terrestrial infrastructure, potentially delivering speeds of 50 to 250 Mbps, according to global service data. However, affordability remains a concern in a country where the average income is modest.

The LCA has not disclosed specific pricing or rollout plans for Lesotho, but officials expressed optimism about the service’s potential to attract further investment.

“This is about creating opportunities for all Basotho, no matter where they live,” an LCA spokesperson said.

As Starlink continues its African expansion, now operating in over 20 countries, both Lesotho and Somalia stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity. Yet, challenges like cost, local partnerships, and regulatory compliance will determine the service’s long-term impact. For now, the back-to-back approvals mark a pivotal moment in Africa’s digital journey, bringing Musk’s vision of global internet access closer to reality.