RWANDA AND SPACEX ADVANCE STARLINK ROLLOUT WITH FIRST GATEWAY INSTALLATION .

Rwanda and SpaceX have reached a landmark agreement to accelerate the rollout of Starlink satellite internet in the country, with plans to install Rwanda’s first dedicated Starlink gateway by the end of 2025. The announcement followed a meeting between Hon. Yves Iradukunda, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, and SpaceX leadership. The discussions reviewed the current rollout of Starlink in Rwanda, which already serves around 5,000 users, and focused on strategies to scale access nationwide. By Samuel Nyangi

Officials from Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Starlink, and the Rwanda Space Agency meet to discuss Starlink’s expansion in Rwanda. Source: Ministry of ICT and Innovation.

A key outcome of the talks was the conclusion of a spectrum agreement with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) and the Rwanda Space Agency. This milestone clears the way for the installation of the inaugural Starlink gateway, which will be directly linked to the national fibre backbone. Additionally, officials expect this development to enhance internet speed, capacity, and reliability for users across the nation.

Both parties underscored the importance of digital inclusion, with particular attention to underserved rural areas. Plans discussed include extending connectivity to schools and local communities, drawing on lessons from Rwanda’s pilot initiatives and successful models implemented in Mexico and Niger. Furthermore, the partnership will also explore innovative financing mechanisms and donor partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability. Beyond general connectivity, Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet is expected to support critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and rural service delivery.

Starlink’s Expanding Infrastructure Across Africa

Beyond Rwanda, Starlink’s infrastructure footprint is already taking shape across Africa. In Nigeria, for instance, the network has live gateways in Ikire and Lekki. These ground stations play a vital role in managing satellite traffic by routing it to terrestrial backhaul infrastructure. In parallel, Starlink is supporting over 100 rural mobile base stations in Nigeria through partnerships with network operators, using satellite backhaul to extend connectivity into remote and underserved regions. Reports further indicate that additional ground stations are under development in Lagos, Ogun, and Port Harcourt, which are expected to enhance overall network capacity and reduce latency.

In East Africa, Kenya has recently emerged as a key hub in Starlink’s regional network with the launch of a Point of Presence (PoP) in Nairobi in January 2025. This facility has significantly reduced latency for users, with reports indicating improvements from 100–200 ms down to approximately 30 ms. By strengthening the backbone of Starlink’s network in East Africa, the Nairobi PoP enhances regional routing and interconnection, positioning Kenya as a strategic node for neighbouring countries. The forthcoming gateway in Rwanda is expected to complement this infrastructure, further advancing satellite connectivity across the continent.