Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, officially launches its operations in Liberia. This development marks the company’s first entry into the African market in 2025, paving the way for broader expansion across the continent.
Extending high-speed internet access in remote areas
This step follows a one-year license agreement signed between Starlink and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). This partnership aims to extend high-speed internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the country.
This initiative is hailed by LTA officials as a significant step in advancing Liberia’s digital transformation program. With an internet penetration rate currently at 30 %, LTA’s acting president, Abdullah Kamara, is optimistic about Starlink’s potential to improve national coverage to nearly 100 %. To support this effort, the Liberia Revenue Authority has already received 50 Starlink satellite terminals, worth 162,000 USD, to enhance connectivity in its offices across the country.
17th African country to operate Starlink internet services
Kamara also highlighted the impact of the service on Liberia’s essential institutions, including hospitals, schools, and government offices. “This means that town halls, clinics, and schools across Liberia will now have the opportunity to subscribe to Starlink services,” he said.
Liberia now joins a group of seventeen other African countries that utilize Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to provide nationwide satellite internet services. Starlink plans to expand its operations to more countries on the continent in 2025.
Starlink : A Major Asset for Bridging the Digital Divide
The recent virtual meeting between Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Starlink CEO Elon Musk paved the way for the satellite internet service provider’s launch in this West African country.
This partnership could be a major asset in bridging the digital divide, notably by providing high-speed and reliable internet access to underserved and remote areas of Liberia. During the meeting, President Boakai invited Musk and his team to visit Liberia to further their discussions with the country’s government.
Elon Musk emphasized the transformative impact that low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet can have in a country like Liberia. The world’s richest man underscored its potential to support rural communities and service delivery in areas such as education and health.
LEO satellite communications are gaining popularity in Africa, as they offer coverage in areas that are not easily accessible.
Liberia : Internet penetration rate of 30 %
Many regions of the continent, especially rural and underserved communities, lack reliable terrestrial infrastructure, such as fiber optics or cell towers. To date, Starlink licenses are approved in 17 African countries and commercially operational in 10 others.
Liberia’s prospects for internet access are encouraging, although many efforts still need to be made. At the beginning of this year, the internet penetration rate in the country was only 30 % of its population of 5.3 million. The average internet speed is also below global benchmarks, with median fixed connection speeds of around 7.14 Mbps.
Internet access costs are also high. In 2024, the lowest data price in the country was 1.67 USD for 1 GB for 30 days, while the most expensive package was 14.5 USD. The global average data price is 3.12 USD. The telecommunications sector in Liberia is dominated by Lonestar Cell, MTN, and Orange Liberia, which struggle to extend their services to rural areas.
