The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially granted a license to Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, allowing it to launch operations in the country. This marks a significant reversal from a ban imposed in March 2024, when authorities restricted the service over national security concerns.

The initial ban was driven by fears that Starlink’s easily deployable satellite internet could be exploited by armed rebel groups, including the M23 militia, which operates in eastern Congo and has been linked to Rwanda. The unregulated use of satellite services raised alarm within the country’s security apparatus, prompting a nationwide halt to Starlink operations.

With the new license, the DRC is taking a major step toward expanding internet access across the country. According to 2023 estimates, only about 30% of the population had access to the internet, with rural and remote areas particularly underserved. By leveraging Starlink's satellite-based connectivity, the government aims to close this gap and improve digital inclusion.

The move also reflects the DRC’s broader strategy to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure and improve access to digital services in areas where traditional networks are difficult or economically unviable to build. Starlink’s model, which relies on a network of low-earth orbit satellites, allows for high-speed internet delivery without the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure.

This development comes as Starlink continues its aggressive expansion across the African continent. In April 2025, the company secured licenses in Somalia and Lesotho. In Uganda, negotiations between SpaceX and the government have reportedly advanced following meetings with President Yoweri Museveni. However, not all African countries have welcomed the service without caution. Nations such as Namibia and Cameroon have seized unauthorized Starlink equipment, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance and coordination with national laws.

By granting Starlink an operational license, the DRC is signaling its willingness to embrace technological solutions while maintaining oversight over security risks. The success of the service in the DRC could serve as a model for other African countries with similar connectivity challenges.

Observers will now be watching closely to see how the rollout proceeds and what tangible impact the service will have on education, economic development, healthcare, and communication across the country. The decision also underscores the growing importance of satellite internet in bridging the digital divide in emerging markets.