SpaceX-operated Starlink Secures 10-Year Lesotho Licence

Africa’s internet connectivity is advancing, with penetration reaching ~50% (600 million users) by 2025, driven by mobile access and satellite solutions like Starlink.

Regional disparities persist, with Southern Africa at 77% penetration, while rural areas and countries like Chad (<20%) lag due to infrastructure gaps and affordability challenges.

Elon Musk’s Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has made a significant stride in Africa by securing a 10-year licence to provide satellite internet services in Lesotho.

The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) announced the approval on 14 April 2025, describing it as “a significant step forward in the country’s digital transformation and highlights the Authority’s unwavering commitment to enabling a competitive, transparent and forward-looking communications sector that fuels economic growth and fosters innovation”.

Addressing Lesotho’s connectivity challenges

Lesotho has long struggled with low internet penetration, particularly in rural areas where, according to the LCA, “83% of the population lack access” to reliable internet. The new licence positions Starlink as the first satellite internet provider in the country.

Regulatory process and public consultation

The path to approval was not straightforward. The LCA comprehensively reviewed its regulatory framework to accommodate low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology.

The process included public consultations and stakeholder engagements. The Authority noted: “All comments from public consultations had been shared with Starlink Lesotho, which responded to each submission. The Authority had then compiled a comprehensive report for final deliberation by its board”.

Mothepane Kotele, the LCA’s public affairs manager, emphasised the importance of public participation, stating: “The LCA has just finished reviewing the comments and is currently engaging with those who contributed to understanding the context”.

Civil society concerns and ownership debate

Despite the official optimism, the decision has drawn criticism from local civil society groups. Section Two, led by coordinator Kananelo Boloetse, voiced strong opposition.

Boloetse argued, “By proceeding with this decision, the LCA has not only disregarded the valid objections of local stakeholders but has also compromised the integrity and credibility of the regulatory process”. The group’s main concern was ownership, as “Starlink Lesotho is 100% foreign-owned, a factor that should have weighed heavily in a licensing process that ought to safeguard national interests and promote inclusive local participation”.

Section Two demanded that Starlink allocate 30% of its ownership to Basotho citizens, mirroring requirements in neighbouring South Africa, where Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) laws mandate 30% local ownership for foreign telecom companies.

Due to these ownership stipulations, Starlink has not applied for a licence in South Africa.

Allegations of lack of transparency

Section Two raised questions about transparency in the licensing process. Kananelo referenced a report suggesting Lesotho authorities had given prior assurances to the US government regarding Starlink’s licensing.

He said: “This revelation exposes a deeply troubling lack of transparency and suggests that key decisions affecting our national communications infrastructure may have been predetermined and subject to foreign influence. It calls into question the independence of the LCA and the commitment of our government to the principles of good governance and national sovereignty”.

Despite these claims, Section Two stated it was not consulted after submitting its formal opposition, challenging the LCA’s assertion of inclusive engagement.

Starlink’s broader African ambitions

Starlink’s entry into Lesotho is part of a larger African expansion, with services already operational in Nigeria, Mozambique, Somalia and Zimbabwe. Its capability to deliver high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas is transformative for the continent’s digital landscape.

While the LCA’s decision to grant Starlink a 10-year licence marks a major milestone in Lesotho’s digital transformation, it has sparked debate over ownership, transparency and national interests. As Starlink prepares to roll out its services, the impact on Lesotho’s connectivity and the broader implications for regulatory policy and local participation will be closely watched.

While Africa’s internet resilience is improving, half its population remains offline. Satellite tech and mobile growth offer promise, but bridging the urban-rural divide and reducing costs is critical to achieving inclusive digital transformation.

Explore the latest edition of Mobile Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE and Cloud & 5G LIVE. Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

Sign up to receive the Mobile Magazine weekly newsletter.

Mobile Magazine is a BizClik brand