In a transformative step for digital accessibility, Chad has licensed Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, to operate within the country. This move aligns with Chad’s ambition to bridge its significant digital divide, as only 12% of the population currently has internet access. Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites promises reliable, high-speed internet to areas without traditional infrastructure, bringing hope for unprecedented connectivity to underserved communities.

The Road to Approval

Chad’s communications minister, Boukar Michel, revealed that discussions with Starlink began in 2021, with an eye on leveraging the service’s advanced satellite technology to bring internet access to remote regions. Currently, Chad’s connectivity depends heavily on fiber infrastructure linked through Cameroon, which has led to recurring network disruptions and frequent outages. Starlink’s satellite internet bypasses these limitations, providing an alternative that’s independent of terrestrial connections​


.How Starlink’s Satellite Internet Will Transform Chad

With Starlink’s entry, Chad is set to experience a shift in digital infrastructure that could impact various sectors:

  • Education: Internet access in rural and underserved areas opens new possibilities for online education. Students and teachers will gain access to educational resources, facilitating virtual classrooms and reducing the urban-rural education gap.
  • Healthcare: In regions with limited healthcare facilities, internet connectivity enables telemedicine and remote diagnostics, ensuring that healthcare providers can reach isolated communities. With reliable internet, clinics can access medical resources, communicate with specialists, and provide better patient care.
  • Economic Growth and Digital Startups: Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Chad’s remote regions will gain new avenues for growth. Improved connectivity will attract tech startups and foster innovation, laying the groundwork for a digital economy. Starlink's arrival could inspire new businesses that rely on internet infrastructure and spark local economic development.
  • Government Services: Chad aims to enhance its digital public services through Starlink’s network. With reliable, high-speed internet, the government can digitize processes, making services like licensing, registrations, and healthcare support more accessible across the country​


    • A Broader African Strategy

    Chad’s licensing of Starlink aligns with a larger trend across Africa, where Starlink has rapidly expanded its footprint. The company has already launched services in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, and Botswana. However, regulatory responses have varied; while Chad has embraced the technology, some countries, like Cameroon, have imposed restrictions. Kenya’s leading telecom provider, Safaricom, recently called for collaborative regulations to ensure fair competition between Starlink and local providers.

    Chad’s forward-thinking approach could set an example for other nations in Africa, demonstrating how satellite internet can be leveraged to overcome connectivity barriers and boost socio-economic development. As Starlink continues to expand, it brings Africa closer to a more connected future that’s accessible to all, regardless of geographic or infrastructural limitations​



    .A New Digital Era for Chad

    For Chad, Starlink’s approval signifies the dawn of a new digital age. The satellite internet service not only aims to connect the unconnected but also to transform Chad’s economy and social landscape. As communities gain access to the digital world, the nation will likely experience growth in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial opportunities, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.

    By embracing Starlink, Chad is taking a critical step towards digital equity and modernization. As it joins other African nations in adopting satellite internet, the country sets a promising example of how technology can redefine connectivity and opportunity for its citizens.