Guinea-Bissau has granted a license to Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk-led SpaceX, marking a key milestone in the American operator’s African expansion. This decision, announced at the 22nd General Assembly of West African Telecom Regulators (WATRA) held in Bissau in early April 2025, aims to bridge connectivity gaps in a country where 67.5% of the population lacks internet access.
A Context of Monopoly and Technical Outages
Currently, two main operators – Orange (a French subsidiary) and Telecel (which acquired MTN) – provide internet coverage via fiber optic infrastructure and microwave links dependent on the Senegalese and Guinean networks. These services experience frequent interruptions and fail to cover several rural areas, leaving persistent “dead zones.”
Starlink: A Satellite Solution to Address Regional Challenges
With this authorization, Starlink joins Cape Verde, Ghana, Nigeria, and Lesotho among the African countries that have recently validated its deployment. The operator promises broadband connectivity via a constellation of low-orbit satellites, thus bypassing the limitations of terrestrial infrastructure. However, the high cost of its services could limit its adoption by the most vulnerable populations.
An Underlying Geostrategic Positioning
This decision comes amid heightened technological competition between the United States and China in Africa. Observers note that the rapid approval of Starlink by Guinea-Bissau and Lesotho reflects complex diplomatic and economic realities. The arrival of the American operator could marginalize regional players and alternatives supported by Beijing.
Starlink’s adoption in Guinea-Bissau could influence the local economy
Rural connectivity and productivity
Starlink could reduce “dead zones” by providing high-speed satellite internet access, particularly in regions poorly served by terrestrial infrastructure dependent on Senegalese and Guinean networks. Better connectivity would foster the development of digital economic activities (e-commerce, teleworking) and improve the efficiency of public services.
Sector and price competition
Starlink’s arrival intensifies competition with incumbent operators (Orange, Telecel), prompting price reductions or service improvements. However, the high cost of Starlink equipment could limit its adoption by low-income households, paradoxically creating digital inequalities.
Innovation and Technological Dependence
In the long term, Starlink could stimulate digital innovation (startups, cloud services), but would also expose the country to increased dependence on foreign satellite infrastructure, raising questions of technological sovereignty.
Next Steps and Challenges
After obtaining a provisional license in December 2024, Starlink is now finalizing the administrative procedures for large-scale deployment. Guinea-Bissau authorities hope this satellite technology will bridge the digital divide, although its actual impact depends on affordability and the quality of the service offered.
