Kinshasa – 3 May 2025:
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially granted a license to Starlink, the satellite internet company owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, allowing the company to commence operations in the country within days, according to a statement by the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
The announcement marks a significant shift in policy, as the DRC had previously declared the use of Starlink illegal in March 2024, citing national security concerns. Military officials feared that rebel groups—especially the M23 militia, reportedly backed by Rwanda—could exploit the high-speed, decentralized internet service for coordination and communication.
“Starlink, a subsidiary of U.S.-based SpaceX, has now been officially authorized and will proceed with launching its services in the coming days,” the regulatory authority confirmed.
This development comes as the DRC continues to struggle with limited internet access, particularly in conflict-ridden eastern regions. As of 2023, only around 30% of the population had internet access, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Starlink’s African Expansion
Starlink’s entry into the DRC is part of a broader expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa. In April 2025, the company received licenses to operate in Somalia and Lesotho, adding to its presence in over a dozen African countries. The satellite internet provider is seen as a potential game-changer for rural and underserved regions, where traditional telecom infrastructure is lacking or damaged by conflict.
Meanwhile, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni confirmed ongoing discussions with Starlink, stating earlier this week,
“I had a productive meeting with Starlink representatives.”
The company’s expanding footprint across the continent highlights its growing role in transforming internet access, despite geopolitical tensions and regulatory hurdles.
Security vs Connectivity
Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite system provides internet with minimal ground infrastructure, which can bypass local telecommunications control—a feature that has sparked both enthusiasm and unease among governments in fragile or authoritarian regimes.
DR Congo’s reversal of its earlier stance suggests a calculated policy shift to balance the country’s urgent connectivity needs with national security risks. Whether this move will empower communities or complicate regional security remains to be seen.
