Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, has officially launched in Senegal, marking a significant milestone as the company expands its presence across Africa, now reaching 26 countries on the continent.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, announced on Wednesday via X, expressing his enthusiasm: “Starlink is now live in Senegal! I’m thrilled to see what entrepreneurs and innovators will create next. The digital age belongs to everyone.”
The launch has garnered praise from both Senegalese officials and citizens, who highlight the transformative potential of satellite internet to bridge digital divides and spur economic growth and job creation.
Mamadou Talla, the Minister of Digital Economy and Telecommunications, stated, “The introduction of Starlink in Senegal is a landmark achievement. It aligns with our national strategy for digital inclusion and equips our citizens with the necessary tools to innovate, establish businesses, and engage in the global market.”
Abdoulaye Dione, Director-General of the Senegalese Agency for Digital Development, added, “This deployment significantly alleviates digital deserts in remote areas, facilitating fair access to fast and reliable internet for education, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.”
Starlink is already operational in several African nations, including Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chad, Congo, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
