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It’s hard for many of us to imagine a world without instant, limitless internet access. But in fact, only 64.4% of the global population are internet users as of January 2023, with Asia and Europe having the highest number of connected people. Africa comes in third, but the accessibility of internet varies across the continent.

Internet access is crucial in opening up opportunities in various aspects of life, from entertainment and education to enabling payments and strengthening democracy. That’s why the recent advances in providing internet access to people in Africa are worth celebrating. SpaceX, a US company that manufactures and launches spacecraft and communication satellites, has announced that its Starlink satellite-based internet service is now available in Nigeria. This marks the first time the service is being offered in Africa. Starlink is set to be rolled out in other African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Tanzania later this year, with more coverage planned for 2024.

One of the main advantages of Starlink is its ability to bridge the connectivity gaps in Africa caused by poor digital infrastructure and the high costs of traditional methods like fiber optic cables and mobile phone masts. Traditional internet satellites are located farther from Earth and tend to have slower and less reliable connections. In contrast, Starlink’s network of Low-Earth Orbit satellites allows for faster and more stable internet service, making activities like live streaming, online gaming, and video calls more feasible.

While Starlink has the potential to revolutionize internet access in Africa, there are concerns about affordability. The initial costs for Starlink in Nigeria, for example, are substantially higher compared to other providers. This raises questions about whether average rural households in Africa, with lower incomes, will be able to afford the service.

Despite these concerns, faster internet access can propel Africa forward in various sectors. Education, governance, disaster risk reduction, health, and agriculture can all benefit from improved connectivity. In addition to internet access, Starlink’s satellites also offer opportunities for remote sensing and Earth observations. Satellite data can be used to monitor crop yield, provide early warnings of water shortages, and enhance transparency in water management.

Overall, Starlink’s arrival in Africa presents an opportunity for collaboration among scientists, governments, and industries on the continent. By leveraging the capabilities of the satellites, Africa can enter a new phase of technological development and make significant strides in key areas of interest.

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