By Business Insider Reporter
Rwanda is set to become a central player in Africa’s satellite internet revolution after reaching a landmark agreement with SpaceX to accelerate the rollout of Starlink.
The deal includes the installation of Rwanda’s first dedicated Starlink gateway before the end of 2025 – a development expected to boost connectivity speeds, reliability, and digital inclusion across the country.
The announcement followed high-level talks in Kigali between Yves Iradukunda, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, and senior SpaceX leadership, joined by the Rwanda Space Agency and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
Officials reviewed Starlink’s ongoing rollout, which already counts around 5,000 users, and mapped out strategies to scale nationwide.
A gateway to digital transformation
The centrepiece of the agreement is the green light for a Starlink gateway station directly linked to Rwanda’s national fibre backbone.
According to ICT ministry officials, the facility will allow faster routing of satellite traffic, translating into reduced latency and increased bandwidth for end users.
“This gateway will ensure Rwanda’s rural communities enjoy the same quality of service as urban centres, supporting education, healthcare, and agriculture through reliable connectivity,” said Minister Iradukunda.
The plan also involves targeted deployment in underserved communities. Drawing on successful pilot initiatives in Rwanda and international case studies from Mexico and Niger, authorities confirmed that Starlink’s satellite internet will be extended to rural schools and local service hubs.
Bridging the digital divide
Both Rwanda and SpaceX underscored their shared commitment to digital inclusion. Innovative financing models – including donor-backed initiatives and public-private partnerships – are under discussion to ensure affordability and sustainability for low-income households.
Officials believe that beyond household connections, Starlink’s high-speed internet could transform service delivery in rural areas.
Sectors such as telemedicine, agricultural extension services, and e-learning stand to benefit most from expanded coverage.
Africa’s expanding Starlink network
Rwanda’s move comes at a time when Starlink’s footprint across Africa is rapidly expanding.
In Nigeria, Starlink already operates live gateways in Ikire and Lekki, supporting more than 100 rural mobile base stations through partnerships with local operators.
Additional ground stations are under construction in Lagos, Ogun, and Port Harcourt, which are expected to reduce latency and boost overall network capacity.
In East Africa, Kenya has emerged as another strategic hub. In January 2025, Starlink launched a Point of Presence (PoP) in Nairobi, slashing latency from 100–200 milliseconds to about 30 milliseconds.
The Nairobi PoP has strengthened regional routing and interconnection, making Kenya a key node in Starlink’s continental network.
The planned gateway in Rwanda is expected to complement Kenya’s infrastructure, reinforcing East Africa’s position as a stronghold for satellite-powered internet.
Outlook
As Rwanda prepares for its first gateway installation, analysts say the move could position the country as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
By combining ground infrastructure with Starlink’s constellation of satellites, Rwanda has an opportunity to achieve universal internet access faster than many of its peers.
For SpaceX, the project strengthens its long-term strategy to establish a robust African network, where gateways in Rwanda and Kenya will anchor East Africa’s connectivity future. With internet access increasingly recognised as a driver of economic growth, Rwanda’s Starlink gateway is more than an infrastructure project – it is a bet on the country’s digital future.
