Starlink Expands Its African Reach: Tatenda Belle Panashe Hosts Tinashe Mukogo to Discuss Zimbabwe Launch

Starlink has officially launched in Zimbabwe, following the acquisition of its operating license just three months prior. In a strategic move, the company will partner with local firm IMC Communications to provide its services. Unlike in other African markets where payments can be made in local currencies, Zimbabwean customers will need to pay in US dollars.
This launch is part of Starlink’s ongoing expansion across Africa, with its recent entry into Botswana bringing the total number of southern African countries served to six.
Notably, Zimbabwe currently has the highest mobile internet prices in Africa, with one gigabyte costing an average of $43.75—making it the most expensive globally. This highlights a significant challenge for residents seeking affordable internet access. In contrast, Malawi offers the lowest price in Africa at just $0.38 per gigabyte.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the average cost of one gigabyte of mobile data is $3.31, contributing to the region’s status as one of the most expensive in the world. Factors such as high taxes and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate these costs. While access to mobile internet has improved—with an estimated 530 million people gaining connectivity by 2022—challenges persist. Approximately 15% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population still lives in areas without mobile broadband access, and disparities in internet adoption remain, particularly between urban and rural populations and among genders.
Starlink’s entry into Zimbabwe could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, potentially providing more affordable and reliable internet access to a population in dire need.
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