Starlink Authorized in Côte d'Ivoire, Becomes 28th African Market

The Ivorian government granted Starlink Network CIV authorization on June 12, 2026 to provide fixed satellite internet access nationwide, with commercial service set to launch in July 2026. Côte d'Ivoire becomes the 28th African market to welcome Starlink, joining a wave of 2026 approvals across the continent. The 12-month license, announced by Minister Djibril Ouattara, will be reviewed based on service quality, and targets remote rural areas, schools, and health centers currently lacking reliable internet access. The move follows Côte d'Ivoire's showcase of its 6,632 km national fiber backbone at the African Digital Week Forum in Abidjan in early June, positioning satellite and fiber as complementary tools in the country's connectivity strategy.