Starlink Plans Expansion Into 16 More African Countries

Starlink is preparing for another major expansion across Africa. Its official availability map shows plans to enter 16 additional countries, potentially extending the satellite internet provider's presence to more than half of the continent. The company recently launched in Equatorial Guinea, bringing the number of African markets where Starlink is available to 29. Its African expansion began in Nigeria in January 2023.

The countries currently listed for potential availability from 2026 are Mauritania, Mali, The Gambia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania, Comoros, Namibia, Angola, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and Mauritius.

Previous Launch Targets Are Still Waiting

Starlink has not provided specific launch dates for the 16 markets. Its availability map simply marks them as “Starting in 2026”, meaning the projected timelines remain subject to regulatory approvals and network expansion. Previous rollout plans show that these estimates can change. Congo, Gabon, Togo, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Tunisia and Mauritania were previously listed for launches in 2025. Starlink is still unavailable in those markets.

The company says its availability estimates are based on current forecasts and assumptions. Regulatory decisions, network development and other operational factors can delay a planned launch. Its rollout in the Central African Republic also shows how quickly plans can change. The country was not listed among Starlink's near-term launch markets in June 2025 but officially received the service in March 2026.

Satellite Internet and Africa's Coverage Gap

Starlink's expansion comes as satellite connectivity gains attention as a way to reach areas where conventional telecommunications infrastructure remains limited. Rural and remote communities can be difficult and expensive to connect through fibre networks and mobile towers. Satellite services offer an alternative where extending terrestrial infrastructure is not commercially viable.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, around 25% of Africa's population remained outside 4G coverage in 2025. Internet penetration across the continent stood at approximately 35.7%.

The gap between network coverage and actual internet use also remains significant. In Mauritania, 4G coverage reached around 80% of the population in 2025, while internet penetration stood at 45.8%. Burkina Faso recorded 4G coverage of 68.3%, compared with internet usage of 28.3%.

Expansion Plans Still Depend on Approvals

If all 16 planned launches proceed, Starlink would significantly expand its footprint across West, Central, East and Southern Africa. However, appearing on the company's availability map does not guarantee that the service will launch within the projected period.

Each market will still require the necessary regulatory approvals, while network capacity and operational planning could also affect rollout schedules. Starlink's recent expansion history suggests that the availability map is better viewed as an indication of planned market entry rather than a confirmed launch timetable.