Updated · https://www.techafricanews.com/ · Jun 15
Starlink Tops Speeds in 22 of 23 African Markets as Subscribers Reach 500,000
Updated
Updated · https://www.techafricanews.com/ · Jun 15
Starlink Tops Speeds in 22 of 23 African Markets as Subscribers Reach 500,000
1 articles · Updated · https://www.techafricanews.com/ · Jun 15
Summary
Ookla estimates Starlink reached about 500,000 African subscribers by end-2025 while leading terrestrial ISPs on median download speeds in 22 of 23 markets tracked in Q1 2026.
16 of the 23 countries posted median download speeds above 50 Mbps, but congestion dragged Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Madagascar below that mark and forced sign-up pauses in Abuja, Lagos, Nairobi, Lusaka and Harare.
Eswatini showed Starlink nearly nine times faster than local providers, while Botswana and Senegal were among only three markets above 100 Mbps; Madagascar was the lone market where fibre-backed terrestrial service stayed ahead.
Latency depended heavily on local ground infrastructure: Kenya recorded 39 ms after regional Points of Presence cut delays by more than 80%, while DR Congo hit 127 ms and Liberia 222 ms.
27 African markets now have Starlink service, with a 28th due by end-June; V3 satellites expected in late 2026 could ease capacity strains, though South Africa is still unlikely to launch before 2027.