Starlink launches internet service in Chad, its 24th African market

SpaceX’s Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet service in Chad, one of Africa’s least connected countries. Announced on X on July 3, 2025, the rollout marks the 24th market in Africa where Starlink’s high-speed internet is available, signalling a bold step toward bridging the continent’s notorious digital divide. 

This comes just two weeks after the satellite internet service company officially rolled out in Lesotho, having secured a 10-year operating licence on April 14, 2025. The availability map highlights key cities like N’Djamena, Moundou, and Sarh as accessible, with plans to expand further as demand grows.

The Chadian government’s decision to grant Starlink an operating license in November 2023 underscores its recognition of the technology’s potential to overcome traditional infrastructure barriers. With more than two-thirds of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population, over 700 million people, remaining unconnected, Starlink’s entry into Chad is part of a broader mission to address this gap. 

Chad, whose internet penetration has historically lagged, now joins the growing list of African countries on Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service. Its promised internet speed of up to 220 Mbps, with low latency, is a game-changer for a nation where only about 15% of rural residents are connected, compared to 50% in urban areas.

According to experts, a 10% increase in broadband penetration could boost GDP per capita by 2.5%, a statistic that resonates deeply in a country where economic development has been hampered by limited connectivity.

This has the potential to transform access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in this landlocked Central African nation.

Starlink’s expansion across Africa

Starlink’s African expansion began in February 2023 with its launch in Nigeria, followed by deployments in Mozambique, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Benin, and Eswatini.

The service’s affordability, priced at about $25 per month in Nigeria, with hardware costs dropping to $290, has made it an attractive option for households and businesses alike. In Chad, while specific pricing details are yet to be fully disclosed, the model is expected to follow a similar structure, tailored to local economic conditions.

The technology’s reliance on LEO satellites, numbering over 7,000 and counting, sets Starlink apart from traditional satellite internet providers like Hughesnet and Viasat, which top out at 100-150 Mbps. This superior performance has earned it praise as a lifeline for rural communities lacking 5G, cable, or fibre-optic alternatives. 

For Chad, where extending fibre infrastructure costs at least $30,000 per mile, Starlink’s satellite solution offers a cost-effective alternative, bypassing the economic challenges of rural connectivity.

Stakeholders are already eyeing the potential for data centres in remote African locations, powered by Starlink’s reliable internet. This could position Chad as a hub for innovation, with applications in healthcare, education, and employment, in areas where high-speed internet access has been shown to increase employment likelihood by nearly 14%.

Despite the promise, challenges remain. The hefty initial hardware cost and ongoing subscription fees may pose affordability issues for many Chadians, whose per capita income is among the lowest globally.

Additionally, the service’s success will depend on widespread adoption and the government’s ability to support regulatory frameworks that ensure equitable access.

As Starlink continues its rollout, Chad’s launch serves as a beacon of hope. With the continent’s digital landscape poised for transformation, the question remains: Can this technology unlock the full potential of Africa’s 1.3 billion residents?