Lesotho has officially approved a 10-year operating licence for Elon Musk’s Starlink, paving the way for the satellite internet provider to begin services in the country. The announcement was made by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), positioning this decision as a key milestone in the nation’s efforts to modernise its digital infrastructure. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, uses low-earth orbit satellites to offer high-speed internet to underserved or remote regions — a service seen as vital for a landlocked, mountainous country like Lesotho.
While the licence has been celebrated by the LCA as a bold step toward digital transformation and economic growth, it hasn’t been without controversy. Critics, including civil society organisation SECTION 2, argue that the approval process ignored key concerns. Chief among these was Starlink Lesotho’s status as a wholly foreign-owned entity. Opponents worry this could limit local stakeholder involvement and question whether the licensing process upheld fair regulatory standards. Despite this, the LCA insists that the move enhances competitiveness and innovation in Lesotho’s communications sector.
Starlink’s journey into African markets has been mixed. It currently operates in various countries across the continent, but has run into regulatory roadblocks in others, including South Africa and Namibia. The approval in Lesotho may help Starlink solidify its foothold in southern Africa. The timing is also politically sensitive: Lesotho is navigating strained trade relations with the United States following punitive tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, who recently made disparaging remarks about the country. In this context, the decision to license a major American tech company like Starlink could have broader diplomatic implications. Still, for everyday Basotho citizens, the prospect of reliable, fast internet may prove to be the most immediate and tangible outcome.