Within six months Zambia will be connected to fast internet services after the government confirmed SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation Starlink would launch operations.

Following a meeting with Starlink representatives in New York last week, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said the company will soon offer its services in the Southern African country “in line with the Zambian government’s quest to embrace internet revolution.”

Hichilema said government has prioritised internet connectivity and the need to address connectivity issues because this is the only way Zambia can secure a fully functional 21st century e-government system.

Hichilema added, “We expect that in under six months, we will have universal internet in the country. We are working around the clock to ensure that facilities such as technology are put to greater use so that jobs and business opportunities can be realised and this was what characterised our conversation with Starlink head Chad Gibbs.”

Special assistant and advisor to the President on Economic, Investment and Development affairs Jito Kayumba said Hichilema’s engagement with the team from SpaceX and Starlink will escalate Zambia’s position in the digital economy.

Kayumba said, “We all know that good connectivity will also improve productivity (and) thereby reduce the cost of doing business.”

Elon Musk, SpaceX Founder and CEO, confirmed the development and said: “We are looking forward to providing Starlink services to the people of Zambia.”

In May this year, Mozambique and Nigeria became the first countries to grant regulatory approval for Starlink in Africa in a bid to ensure high-speed internet connectivity, especially to extend the service to underserved rural areas.