Elon Musk-backed Starlink continues to make inroads in Africa as it announces its latest adventure in Lesotho.
In a major step toward Africa-wide digital connectivity, the mountain kingdom becomes the latest country across the continent to go live.
Developed by SpaceX, Starlink aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to even the most remote corners of the world and Lesotho’s mountainous terrain presents a perfect case study.
Mamathe Makhetha, spokesperson for the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) hailed the development as more than a technological upgrade.
“It’s a leap toward a digitally inclusive future for Lesotho. We expect Starlink to bridge long-standing connectivity gaps, especially in hard-to-reach rural communities,” he said.
The LCA granted Starlink a 10-year operating license in April 2025, after revising its regulatory framework to accommodate Low-Earth-Orbit satellite technology.
This policy shift was formalised in January, paving the way for Starlink Lesotho (Pty) Ltd to offer commercial internet services to both households and enterprises.
Starlink’s hardware kit retails at $410.80, while the monthly subscription fee stands at $52.70. A more affordable Minikit option is available for $210.95, in a move expected to increase accessibility among lower-income users.
Despite its promise to close the digital gap on the continent, Starlink’s arrival has sparked debate.
Vodacom Lesotho managing director Mohale Ralebitso, the country’s leading telecom provider, has in the past criticised the lack of local ownership in the new entrant. “It sets a dangerous precedent,” he said, calling on regulators to mandate local equity participation.
He argued that Starlink should have established local shareholding before receiving a license and contribute to the local economy through job creation, taxes, and dividends, similar to existing terrestrial providers.
Civil society echoed these concerns, warning that unfettered foreign entry could stifle domestic telecom investment.
This tension mirrors challenges elsewhere on the continent. In South Africa, Starlink’s rollout remains stalled due to empowerment laws requiring 30% local black ownership.
However, the company has proposed a $27.9 million educational infrastructure investment in a bid to meet these requirements through Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes, an alternative now under policy review.
While debates continue, Starlink’s activation in Lesotho is seen as a key victory for digital inclusion. The government has committed to monitoring Starlink’s service performance, ensuring it aligns with national development goals.
“Our mission is to ensure that every Mosotho, from urban centers to remote mountain villages, can access the tools of the digital age. Starlink is helping us turn that vision into reality,” said Makhetha.
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