In a significant move within the Southern African communications sector, the Kingdom of Lesotho has formally granted a ten-year operating licence to Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The announcement was made by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) on Monday, indicating the country’s determination to foster digital growth through increased connectivity.
The approval will permit Starlink to roll out its satellite internet services nationwide, marking a pivotal moment in Lesotho’s broader technological development strategy. According to the LCA, the decision reflects its “unwavering commitment to enabling a competitive, transparent, and forward-looking communications sector that fuels economic growth and fosters innovation.”
This development emerges amid heightened diplomatic and economic negotiations between Lesotho and the United States. The southern African kingdom was recently subjected to a steep 50% trade tariff by the U.S. government – the highest under a newly revised list of target nations introduced by President Donald Trump earlier this month. Though the levy has since been temporarily reduced, the economic impact of this designation remains under scrutiny by policymakers and regional analysts.
The decision to award Starlink a licence follows a year-long application and review process initiated in April 2024. Starlink, which provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet through low-Earth orbit satellites, is viewed by many as a potential game-changer in connecting remote and underserved communities throughout Africa. The company already operates across several African markets, although it continues to encounter regulatory resistance in jurisdictions such as South Africa and Namibia, where licensing frameworks and local participation mandates have slowed its expansion.
Despite the LCA’s characterisation of the decision as a milestone in digital access and economic modernisation, the move has not been without criticism. Several domestic organisations have raised concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the licensing process. Foremost among these is SECTION 2, a prominent civil society organisation advocating for government accountability in Lesotho.
In a statement issued following the LCA’s announcement, SECTION 2 coordinator Kananelo Boloetse stated, “By proceeding with this decision, the LCA has not only disregarded the valid objections of local stakeholders but has also compromised the integrity and credibility of the regulatory process.” The objections referenced include the complete foreign ownership of Starlink Lesotho, which, according to critics, undermines efforts to ensure local participation and safeguard national interests in critical infrastructure sectors.
The lack of local equity participation has sparked particular concern given that most telecommunications regulatory bodies within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, including those in Botswana and Tanzania, have either mandated or strongly encouraged joint ventures or equity-sharing models in the licensing of foreign operators.
The LCA, however, maintains that the economic and technological benefits of granting Starlink the licence outweigh the structural concerns raised. According to the authority, the satellite-based model uniquely positions Starlink to overcome the geographical challenges inherent in Lesotho’s mountainous terrain, where traditional broadband infrastructure deployment has historically been limited and costly.
“Providing universal access to internet services remains a cornerstone of our development strategy, particularly for communities that have long been excluded from the digital economy due to topographical and economic barriers,” the LCA said. “This licence is a critical step in bridging the digital divide.”
In the broader geopolitical context, the Starlink approval also comes amid shifting narratives around U.S.–Africa relations. During a controversial address to Congress on 5 March 2025, President Trump made an offhand remark referring to Lesotho as a country “no one has heard of,” prompting laughter from his audience. The statement drew a strong rebuke from Lesotho’s Foreign Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, who described the comment as “quite insulting” and contrary to the spirit of diplomatic respect.
Observers note that Starlink’s entry into Lesotho may inadvertently reinforce American corporate presence in the region, thereby complicating diplomatic relations even as it facilitates infrastructural development. The convergence of telecommunications policy, foreign investment, and national pride has thus made the Starlink decision a focal point of both domestic and international discourse.
In the context of African digital sovereignty and sustainable development, Lesotho’s embrace of satellite internet via a fully foreign-owned operator raises important questions about long-term strategy and self-determination. While the promise of improved internet access is compelling, particularly for educational and economic inclusion, stakeholders continue to urge for a more inclusive and transparent policy framework.
Ultimately, the arrival of Starlink in Lesotho is emblematic of the complex interplay between global technology giants and local governance structures in Africa. Whether this partnership yields equitable benefits for the Basotho people will depend largely on the government’s ability to enforce accountability, adapt regulatory frameworks, and ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of national autonomy.
