Starlink has officially launched commercial operations in the Central African Republic, bringing high-speed satellite internet to one of Africa’s least connected nations and marking the service’s 28th African market.
The rollout comes three months after CAR authorities approved Starlink’s licence in December 2025, during a ceremony in Bangui presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. The Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts, and Telecommunications explained at the time that Starlink would expand national coverage through high-speed satellite solutions, targeting rural and remote regions where terrestrial infrastructure remains severely limited or non-existent.
Customers in the Central African Republic can access Starlink through residential service plans priced at 33,000 XAF (approximately USD 57) per month. Two hardware options are available: the Standard kit at 240,000 XAF (approximately USD 418), designed for everyday home internet needs, and the Mini kit at 123,000 XAF (approximately USD 214), suitable for standard internet applications. Whilst these costs represent a significant investment, particularly in a country where internet penetration remains amongst the lowest on the continent, the service offers speeds and reliability that have historically been unavailable outside major urban centres.
The Central African Republic becomes the second African country to welcome Starlink in 2026, following the service’s launch in Senegal in February. The continued expansion reflects growing regulatory acceptance of satellite internet solutions as a complementary infrastructure layer that addresses persistent connectivity gaps across the continent.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/03/16/starlink-goes-live-in-the-central-african-republic/