Starlink in Africa: Breakthrough or backdoor? The continent’s digital future at a critical crossroads (opens original article in a new tab)

Starlink's expansion in Africa raises concerns about digital sovereignty, with potential risks of external control, surveillance, and dependency on foreign corporations, prompting debates on regulatory responses and national interests.

• Starlink's connectivity threatens African sovereignty by outsourcing digital infrastructure to foreign corporations.
• Namibia rejects Starlink's license, asserting regulatory control, while South Africa faces pressure to relax regulations.
• Unregulated satellite access could empower insurgents and enable foreign surveillance in conflict zones.