Gambia Delays Starlink Licence Amid National Security and Economic Concerns
In early February 2026, Starlink announced it had paid for an operating permit in The Gambia but was still awaiting approval from President Adama Barrow’s government. The delay centres on questions about the country’s capacity to regulate and supervise satellite services, sparking debate over national security and economic impact.
Speaking on QTV earlier this year, Hon. Lamin Jabbie, Minister of Digital Economy, revealed why the government has not approved Starlink’s application despite payment. “I was asked as Minister to authorise the granting of a VSAT permit to Starlink. But I refused to approve the permit,” the Minister stated.
The Minister explained that whilst the Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) had conducted an exhaustive analysis and approved the application, he identified anomalies in the documentation. “I was asked to authorise a VSAT operating permit. I then asked Starlink representatives whether their institution had the required competencies and equipment to operate a VSAT permit. They answered no,” he explained.
Following research, the Minister determined that Starlink required a different type of licence, a general satellite licence rather than a VSAT permit, which is designed for small satellite dish systems rather than large-scale satellite constellation operations.
National Security Considerations
A senior government source raised concerns about the country’s preparedness. “I am not at all convinced that the country has the necessary structure allowing for the supervision and regulation of Starlink. Our country is not yet ready for the introduction of such technology,” the source stated, adding that powerful business figures and politicians were lobbying for Starlink’s approval. “This could pose a risk to our national security.”
Kebba Bojang, Director General of Gamtel, echoed concerns about regulatory oversight during an interview with The Point. “How could we supervise a network present in the sky above our heads, but with no infrastructure in the country? To whom should we complain, report, prevent, and punish acts of cybercrime?” Mr Bojang stated that these concerns had been discussed with PURA and the Ministry of Digital Economy.
Economic Impact: Opportunity or Threat?
The arrival of Starlink has divided opinion on its economic implications. Mr Bojang warned that Starlink’s entry into The Gambia’s “very modest market” of 2.87 million people, in 2026, according to Worldometer, could significantly weaken existing providers. “Starlink’s capabilities and market prices will be undeniably attractive to consumers, making competition extremely tough for other internet service providers,” he noted, though adding that Gamtel/Gamcel would defend their interests with high-quality service.
An Africell employee, speaking anonymously, expressed concern about job losses. “It would be preferable for PURA to force current internet service providers to reduce costs rather than approve Starlink’s arrival in the country and thereby endanger thousands of jobs,” the source told The Point.
However, Dr Ousman Gagigo, an economist, offered a contrasting view. “Internet service in The Gambia is currently slow and expensive, and Starlink’s arrival will increase competition between operators,” he stated. Dr Gagigo argued that existing providers would be forced to either invest in better equipment or reduce prices to retain customers.
He further noted that Starlink could enable traditional operators to extend their networks to rural areas currently lacking 4G or 5G coverage. “The extension of reliable internet across all regions of the country would be enormously beneficial to numerous economic sectors.”
Balancing Risks and Benefits
On security concerns, Dr Gagigo acknowledged their legitimacy but argued for a balanced approach. “Security concerns are legitimate, given that Starlink is a foreign company with no local structure. However, it is necessary to conduct an exhaustive analysis of risks and benefits,” he noted. “When national security questions arise, the most constructive approach would be for competent authorities to consult directly with Starlink to find solutions to these questions, rather than refusing them permission to operate.”
According to reliable sources at PURA, the regulatory authority has followed proper procedures and issued its recommendations, including a requirement that Starlink open an office in the country. “They already paid last year and are only waiting for ministerial approval to start operations,” a source told The Point.
Context: Africa’s Most Expensive Internet
According to Standard, in 2023, The Gambia recorded an average mobile data cost of USD 3.56 per gigabyte, ranking among the most expensive countries in Africa for internet access, reportedly placing 9th on the continent for high mobile data prices. The report also noted that The Gambia ranked 202nd globally in data affordability, highlighting persistent challenges with the cost of internet access despite ongoing digital development efforts.
As of mid-May 2026, Starlink had not responded to requests for comment. The Gambian government’s decision on Starlink’s operating licence remains pending, balancing competing priorities of improved connectivity, national security, regulatory capacity, and economic impact on existing providers.
This article was originally published by the Point