Starlink Launches in Guinea-Bissau, Its 23rd African Market

SpaceX’s Starlink has made a major move to close Africa’s internet gap by launching its satellite internet service in Guinea-Bissau, making it Starlink’s 23rd African market. The announcement was made on X (formerly Twitter) and is seen as a big step for the West African country, where nearly 67.5% of people did not have internet access before Starlink’s arrival.

Starlink launches in Guinea-Bissau after receiving full approval from the country’s National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (ARN-TIC). This follows a provisional license granted in December 2024, and now, with all regulatory boxes checked, Starlink is set to roll out its high-speed, low-latency internet service nationwide.

Before Starlink’s entry, Guinea-Bissau’s internet was mainly provided by just two companies, Orange and Telecel, who depended on fiber cables from neighboring countries. These services were often unreliable, with frequent outages leaving many people disconnected. For most of Guinea-Bissau, especially in rural areas, fast and stable internet was simply out of reach.

The launch of Starlink in Guinea-Bissau is part of the company’s rapid expansion across Africa. In just the first four months of 2025, Starlink has launched in five new African countries, including Somalia and Lesotho, bringing its total to 23 African markets. This aggressive push is helping to bridge the digital divide on a continent where internet access is among the lowest in the world.

Starlink’s technology uses a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, which means it can deliver internet to places where traditional cables can’t reach. In Guinea-Bissau, this is expected to be a game-changer. The service promises speeds up to 150 Mbps, which could transform education, business, and healthcare, especially in remote communities that have long been left behind by existing providers.

The availability map for Starlink in Guinea-Bissau shows almost the entire country is now covered, with major towns like Bissau, Buba, and Gabú marked as “Available.” Some areas are still on a “Waitlist” or “Coming Soon,” meaning the rollout will happen in phases, but the overall outlook is positive.

This expansion into its 23rd African market is not just about business for Starlink. It’s about giving millions of people the chance to connect to the world, access information, and create new opportunities. Local officials and residents are hopeful that Starlink’s arrival will boost economic growth and improve daily life, especially for students and small businesses.

However, there are still challenges. The cost of Starlink’s hardware and monthly subscription may be too high for some, and there are regulatory hurdles and competition from local providers. But for now, the launch of Starlink in Guinea-Bissau marks a hopeful new chapter for the country’s digital future and highlights the company’s commitment to expanding internet access across Africa as its 23rd African market.

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