Starlink Set to Launch in Ivory Coast in July 2026
Starlink has been granted authorisation by the Ivorian government to provide fixed satellite internet access services nationwide from July 2026, making Ivory Coast the 28th African market to welcome the service.
The announcement was made by Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, during Gouv’Talk, the Ivorian government’s online exchange programme initiated by the Government Information and Communication Centre. “Starlink has obtained a licence that will allow it to provide fixed high-speed internet via satellite,” he said. “This will enable remote rural areas, schools, and health centres that previously lacked internet access to connect.”
A 12-Month Licence With Room to Grow
The authorisation granted to Starlink Network CIV has a 12-month lifespan, after which the terms will be reviewed based on service quality. “Based on the quality offered in terms of internet, we will finalise the specifications,” Minister Ouattara confirmed, adding that “Starlink has significant ambitions for Ivory Coast.”
Beyond fixed broadband, the Minister also signalled that work is underway to extend affordable smartphone connectivity to rural populations, with the goal of ensuring all communities can access high-speed internet at lower cost.
5G Rollout on the Horizon
The Starlink licence is not the only major connectivity development on Ivory Coast’s agenda. Minister Ouattara announced that the rollout of 5G will begin in July 2026 as well, with all cities of more than 25,000 inhabitants to be progressively covered. His department has been working since January to improve operating conditions for telecoms operators across the country, all of whom have already equipped their networks in preparation.
Closing the Coverage Gap
Ivory Coast’s current internet coverage rate stands at 95%, encompassing fibre optic, fixed broadband, 2G, 3G, and 4G services. However, significant gaps remain in smaller and more remote communities. To address this, the government has committed that within the next four years, all localities with more than 800 inhabitants will be covered by GSM mobile services.
The arrival of Starlink adds a further layer to what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential periods of digital infrastructure development in Ivory Coast’s recent history.