Chad has officially approved Elon Musk's satellite internet provider, Starlink, to operate in the country, marking a significant milestone in the Central African nation's efforts to improve internet access.

With only 12% of Chad's population having access to the internet in 2022, according to the World Bank, Starlink's entry is expected to bridge this gap and foster the growth of tech startups in the country. Chad's Communications Minister, Boukar Michel, stated that improved internet access will help digitalize public services in remote areas.

Starlink, which made its African debut in Nigeria in January 2023, has faced regulatory hurdles in multiple African nations. However, it has recently launched in Botswana, South Sudan, and Ghana, and is now operational in several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique, Malawi, Madagascar, Benin, South Sudan, Eswatini, and Sierra Leone.

The move is seen as a significant step forward for Chad's tech ecosystem, and may pave the way for further investment and growth in the sector. However, not everyone is pleased, with Kenya's largest telecom firm, Safaricom, urging regulators to consider requiring satellite internet providers like Starlink to partner with local mobile network operators.