(Ecofin Agency) - Starlink entered the African internet market in Nigeria at the end of January 2023. Since then, the satellite internet provider, a subsidiary of Elon Musk's SpaceX, has expanded to about ten other countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, Benin, Zambia, Madagascar, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Botswana.

On September 7, 2024, Starlink announced it has begun operations in Zimbabwe, marking its entry into the 14th African country. The company shared the news on X.

Zimbabweans can now access Starlink's service for $50 a month, plus an initial $350 for the equipment. There is also a smaller, more affordable option available, the Starlink Mini, which costs $200 for the equipment and $30 per month for the service.

Starlink's launch in Zimbabwe comes about three months after the government approved its operations. Previously, the government had banned the use of Starlink kits, even though the service was becoming increasingly popular among Zimbabweans seeking better internet quality. In July, IMC Communications, Starlink’s exclusive local partner, revealed that over 5,000 people were using the service illegally.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed optimism about Starlink's impact. He believes that Starlink's presence will enhance internet access throughout Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas. “The entry by Starlink in the digital telecommunications space in Zimbabwe is expected to result in the deployment of high speed, low cost, LEO internet infrastructure throughout Zimbabwe and particularly in all the rural areas,” he said in a May 25 post on X, announcing the approval of Starlink's operating license.

Currently, Zimbabwe has 11 million internet subscribers, reflecting a penetration rate of 73.3%, according to the latest statistics from the national telecom regulator. DataReportal reported that as of early 2024, there were 5.5 million internet subscribers in Zimbabwe, with a penetration rate of 32.6%.