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Elon Musk’s Starlink Launches in Niger, Marking its Availability in 18 African Countries
Elon Musk’s Starlink has just launched its satellite internet service in Niger, marking a big step forward for the West African country. This makes Niger the 18th African country to join the Starlink network, alongside countries like Nigeria and Kenya. The news was shared on March 13 through a tweet by Elon Musk himself, confirming that Starlink is now available in Niger.
For Niger, this is a huge deal. Right now, only about 32% of the population has access to the internet, which is one of the lowest rates in Africa. The existing infrastructure covers just 30% of the country, leaving many rural areas without any connection.
This lack of access has been a major obstacle for development and communication. But with Starlink’s arrival, things are about to change. Its network of low-Earth orbit satellites can provide high-speed internet even in remote areas where traditional communication systems can’t reach.
The journey to bring Starlink to Niger started in November 2024 when Elon Musk’s team met with Niger’s ruling military leaders. During this meeting, they agreed to expand Starlink’s coverage across the country.
Shortly after, Niger’s Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, announced on state television that Starlink would cover 80–100% of the country’s territory. He emphasized that this service would bring affordable and reliable internet to areas that have been disconnected for too long.
Raliou explained on Tele Sahel that Starlink’s satellites would provide high-speed internet at a very low cost, which is great news for Niger. While the exact details of the deal weren’t shared, it’s clear that this technology has the potential to transform the country.
Elon Musk’s Starlink launch in Niger follows its recent expansion into other African countries like Cape Verde, Chad, Botswana, Liberia, and Zimbabwe. In Mali, where Starlink kits were previously banned due to security concerns, authorities have temporarily lifted restrictions on their import and sale. This shows how committed Starlink is to improving internet access across Africa.
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Although the pricing for Niger hasn’t been officially announced, it’s likely to be similar to other African countries. Typically, users pay $363 for the equipment, $24 for shipping, and a monthly subscription of $52. While these costs might seem high for some families, they’re considered reasonable given the service’s ability to provide fast and reliable internet in areas that were previously unreachable.
With Starlink now available in Niger, there’s hope that it will help boost connectivity and drive economic growth in one of Africa’s least connected countries. This launch also highlights how satellite technology can play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide across the continent. As Starlink continues to expand, more African countries are expected to benefit from this innovative solution to internet accessibility challenges.
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