Elon Musk announced on Sunday via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, is now operational in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This development came just two days after the Congolese government officially granted a license to the company, overturning a previous decision to ban its services.
In March 2024, the DRC government initially prohibited the use of Starlink. Military authorities had raised concerns that the satellite system, which delivers high-speed internet even to the most remote areas, could be exploited by armed rebel groups. Among these groups, the M23 rebel movement—allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda—had significantly increased its territorial gains in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the country. Officials feared that Starlink’s portable and secure internet access could provide a strategic advantage to such insurgent factions, making it harder for government forces to control communications in contested zones.
A Critical Shift in Government Policy
Despite these initial reservations, the Congolese government reversed its decision in May 2025 and formally authorized Starlink’s operation within the country. This shift highlights the complex balancing act the DRC faces between national security concerns and the urgent need for improved digital infrastructure.
As of 2023, only about 30% of the Congolese population had access to the internet, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This low connectivity rate significantly hampers development, education, business, and access to information in a country where the population exceeds 100 million people. Much of the population lives in rural or conflict-affected areas where traditional internet infrastructure is either unreliable or completely unavailable.
By enabling satellite-based broadband access without the need for underground cables or cell towers, Starlink offers a transformative solution for countries like the DRC. It provides a unique opportunity to bridge the digital divide and connect communities in regions long left behind by conventional internet providers.
Starlink’s Expansion in Africa Accelerates
The Democratic Republic of Congo now joins a growing list of African countries where Starlink has launched operations. The satellite internet provider has rapidly expanded its footprint across the continent, with live services in over a dozen African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and Rwanda.
Starlink’s business model, which relies on a constellation of thousands of low-earth orbit satellites, is well suited to Africa’s geographical and infrastructural challenges. Unlike fiber-optic networks, which require heavy investment in physical infrastructure, Starlink only needs a satellite dish and power supply to function. This flexibility allows it to bring internet access to remote villages, isolated schools, and underdeveloped urban neighborhoods at a faster pace than traditional ISPs.
In Nigeria, for instance, Starlink was launched in January 2023 and has since seen widespread adoption in rural areas where other internet services are unavailable or unreliable. The same trend is occurring in Kenya, where the government has partnered with tech companies to extend digital services to remote communities.
Security Concerns Still Linger
Despite the Congolese government’s new approval of Starlink, security analysts and regional experts remain cautious. The M23 rebel group continues to pose a significant threat in eastern DRC, and the potential misuse of encrypted and mobile satellite internet remains a serious concern.
DRC’s decision to allow Starlink could complicate monitoring efforts in conflict zones, especially if the system ends up in the hands of non-state actors. The military’s initial fears were based on Starlink’s track record of being used in conflict zones, notably in Ukraine, where it has played a critical role in enabling communications for both civilian and military purposes. Although SpaceX insists it does not permit militarized use of its technology without authorization, the very nature of decentralized satellite internet makes complete control difficult.
A Trade-Off Between Development and Security
The Congolese government’s U-turn underscores a broader dilemma: the need to foster digital development while mitigating risks in an unstable environment. On one hand, expanded internet access can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, education, innovation, and civic engagement. On the other, in a country plagued by armed conflict, any technology that enhances communication capabilities can also empower insurgents and deepen the complexity of conflict management.
Nonetheless, the Congolese authorities appear to have calculated that the benefits outweigh the risks. With more than 70% of the population still offline, the demand for connectivity continues to grow, particularly among young people and entrepreneurs who rely on digital tools for learning, trading, and communication.
What’s Next for Starlink in Congo?
Now that Starlink has received the green light, the focus will likely turn to infrastructure rollout and pricing. While Starlink is faster and more accessible than many alternatives, its hardware and subscription fees can be prohibitive for low-income users. The standard hardware kit costs between $400 and $600, and monthly subscription fees range from $30 to $100, depending on the country and service plan.
In order to achieve widespread adoption in the DRC, SpaceX may need to collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners to subsidize costs or provide communal internet hubs. Without such efforts, Starlink’s potential to truly democratize internet access may remain limited to urban elites and international organizations.
However, if implemented strategically, Starlink could play a critical role in improving public services, including telemedicine, digital education, disaster response, and early warning systems for conflict-affected areas.
Conclusion: Starlink’s Arrival Marks a Pivotal Moment for Congo
The licensing of Starlink in the Democratic Republic of Congo represents a milestone in the country’s digital evolution. After years of isolation and infrastructure setbacks, Congo now has a chance to leapfrog traditional connectivity barriers through space-based internet.
Although serious concerns remain regarding national security and misuse by rebel groups, the potential economic and social benefits of reliable internet access are equally profound. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the Congolese government and SpaceX manage this trade-off. For now, Starlink’s launch in Congo is a bold step toward bridging the digital divide in one of Africa’s most challenging environments.
