Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, has launched in Guinea-Bissau, marking its 23rd active market on the African continent. The announcement was made via the company’s official X account earlier this week.
According to Starlink’s availability map, areas including Bissau, Buba, and Gabú are now listed as “Available,” while other regions remain on the “Waitlist” or marked as “Coming Soon.” The rollout is part of an aggressive expansion strategy that has seen the company move into several African countries in rapid succession—drawing comparisons to Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.
The launch is particularly significant for Guinea-Bissau, a country where just 35.2% of the population has internet access, hindered by underdeveloped infrastructure. While local internet speeds can reach 150 Mbps, availability and reliability remain limited for much of the population.
Starlink’s expansion in Guinea-Bissau comes on the heels of recent launches in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Lesotho. With a presence now in 23 African nations, the company is also in advanced regulatory talks with at least 10 more, including Ethiopia and Senegal. These discussions often involve licensing and compliance with local content policies. However, Starlink has met resistance in some markets, notably South Africa, where regulatory hurdles have slowed progress.
If current negotiations succeed, Starlink could soon be operational in over 30 African countries—more than 60% of the continent’s 54 nations—positioning itself as a major player in bridging Africa’s digital divide.
The rapid pace of expansion raises key questions: Is Starlink racing to secure market share, project influence, or simply establish presence ahead of future competitors? Africa is home to over 950 million people who remain offline—making it one of the last major frontiers for internet connectivity.
Analysts suggest Starlink’s strategy hinges on aggregating small but high-value markets across the continent. While the service may not rival mobile telcos in local reach, its ability to serve remote or underserved areas allows it to build a profitable footprint without needing to dominate any single market.
As the map of Starlink’s coverage continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the race to connect Africa is well underway—and Starlink is setting the pace.
