Starlink Dominates African Internet Speeds in 22 Markets, Redefining Connectivity Across the Continent
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX founded by Elon Musk, has emerged as the fastest internet provider across Africa, outperforming traditional internet service providers in 22 out of 23 markets. According to new data from Ookla, the service is playing a major role in closing the continent’s long-standing connectivity gap and accelerating digital access in underserved regions.
The report shows that Starlink’s median download speeds exceeded 50Mbps in 16 African countries during Q1 2026, with standout performance in Eswatini, Botswana, and Senegal, where speeds surpassed 100Mbps. In Eswatini, users reportedly experienced speeds nearly nine times faster than local providers, marking one of the clearest signs yet of satellite internet overtaking terrestrial networks in parts of Africa.
While fibre networks still maintain an edge in latency, Starlink is steadily closing the gap through improved infrastructure, including inter-satellite laser links and expanded ground stations in cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. Latency improvements of up to 80 percent have been recorded in some regions, although countries without nearby gateways, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia, still face noticeable delays.
Beyond performance, Starlink is increasingly shaping partnerships across the telecom sector. Operators like Airtel Africa, Vodafone, Orange, and MTN Group are exploring or deploying satellite-enabled solutions to extend rural coverage. These collaborations are helping bridge infrastructure gaps where building fibre networks is too costly or impractical.
Looking ahead, Starlink’s expansion across Africa continues despite regulatory hurdles in markets like South Africa. The service now operates in 27 countries, with Uganda recently granting approval. Demand has surged so strongly that sign-ups were temporarily paused in some urban areas due to capacity limits. With next-generation satellites expected in late 2026, industry watchers say Africa could be on the brink of a major leap in internet access and digital inclusion.
source: The Guardian