Africa characterized by its diversity in development levels is now witnessing a significant shake-up in broadband access with the advent of Starlink—SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service. The satellite internet venture, promises reliable, high-speed internet access, even in the most remote regions. This promise is particularly appealing in Africa, where infrastructure challenges often leave rural and underserved areas with limited connectivity options. However, the success of Starlink in Africa will largely depend on its affordability and competitiveness with existing Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
As of January 9th, 2025, [in an Excel document shared] Rest of World compiled a price comparison per month between Starlink and leading ISPs in 12 out of 16 African Nations where Startlink is available. Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan were excluded due to a lack of information from Communication Authorities.
According to their analysis, in at least five countries, a monthly Starlink subscription is cheaper than that of the leading fixed ISP. They compared the price of Starlink’s residential service to the cheapest unlimited fixed internet plan offered by leading ISPs.
Rest of World determined the leading fixed ISPs through reports published by each country’s Communications Authority and obtained the cheapest prices from each company’s website. Starlink does not have fixed rates; instead, it intermittently raises and lowers its prices. “Starlink may adjust prices over time to reflect market conditions resulting in a decrease or increase of the monthly service plan cost,” the company wrote on its website.
In Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, Starlink is cheaper than the average price of internet service. Starlink prices range widely, from US$10.04 in Kenya to US$50.18 in Eswatini. For most countries (7 to be exact), the cheapest Starlink plan costs between US$28 and US$34 per month.
Kenya has the cheapest Starlink plan — US$10.04 (approx. KSH1,300) which is significantly lower than the US$23.16 (approx. KSH3,000) charged by the leading ISP. This nearly 57% price difference positions Starlink as a highly competitive alternative. Since its launch in July 2023, Starlink has disrupted the existing internet service provider industry offering high connectivity speeds with lower prices, and wide availability in remote areas.
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, as of June 2024, over 8,000 Kenyans subscribe to Starlink. Kenya’s adoption of Starlink has been swift and continues to rise rapidly prompting Safaricom and other ISPs who control the market — with over 900,000 subscribers to lower their prices and increase internet speeds.
One of the most dramatic contrasts emerges in Zimbabwe, where Starlink’s subscription price of US$30.00 (approx. ZWD10, 857) pales in comparison to the US$633.62 (approx. ZWD229,307) charged by the leading ISP. This staggering discrepancy highlights the potential for Starlink to transform Zimbabwe’s internet landscape, which exorbitant costs have long plagued. The cost disparity is particularly significant given that affordable internet is often a barrier to digital inclusion and economic development.
Countries such as Botswana, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Zambia present cases of moderate price differences. In these markets, Starlink’s pricing hovers around US$28.50 to US$28.80, slightly undercutting the leading ISPs by a margin of a dollar to US$8. These differences, while not as pronounced as in Zimbabwe, still offer consumers an alternative that could encourage competition and potentially lead to better services and prices across the board.
However, Starlink’s pricing is not universally the lowest. In Nigeria, where Starlink charges US$48.47 (approx. NGN76,000) per month, the leading ISP offers services at a remarkably low US$9.59 (approx. NGN15,000). This price anomaly suggests that local ISPs in certain countries have already adapted to provide affordable services, potentially rendering Starlink less competitive in such markets. Similarly, Madagascar bucks the trend with its leading ISP offering internet at US$10.39 (approx. MGA49,000), slightly undercutting Starlink’s US$28.73 (approx. MGA136,000) pricing.
While price is a significant consideration, the value provided by Starlink extends beyond mere cost. The technology’s satellite-based infrastructure allows it to bypass traditional physical infrastructure challenges such as fiber optics, making it particularly suited for remote and rural regions where connectivity has traditionally been unreliable or non-existent. For countries where Starlink is more expensive than local ISPs, the promise of broader coverage and consistent speeds could still make it a worthwhile investment for many users.
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Implications for the African market
The advent of Starlink in Africa has far-reaching implications:
- Increased competition: With Starlink offering competitive prices in most countries, local ISPs may be forced to revise their pricing strategies or improve service quality to retain customers.
- Enhanced rural connectivity: Starlink’s satellite-based model is a game-changer for remote areas where traditional ISPs have been unable or unwilling to expand infrastructure.
- Digital inclusion: Affordable and reliable internet is critical for bridging the digital divide. Starlink’s pricing, especially in countries like Zimbabwe and Kenya, could significantly enhance access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
- Policy and regulation challenges: Governments may need to revisit policies and regulations to accommodate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by satellite internet providers like Starlink.
See also: Starlink adjusts Uganda launch plans to 2025
As Starlink continues to expand its presence in Africa, it is likely to catalyze profound changes in the continent’s internet landscape. While affordability remains a crucial factor, the promise of consistent, high-speed connectivity—particularly in underserved areas—positions Starlink as a transformative player.
The disparity in pricing, as illustrated in the data by Rest of World, underscores the diversity of challenges and opportunities across African nations. For governments, businesses, and consumers, the arrival of Starlink represents a critical moment to rethink how internet access can be made more equitable, reliable, and accessible for all.
