Events
Beyond general connectivity, Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet is expected to support critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and rural service delivery.
Rwanda has signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to accelerate the rollout of Starlink satellite internet across the country, with the first dedicated Starlink gateway set to be installed by the end of 2025.
The announcement followed a meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Yves Iradukunda, and senior SpaceX executives, during which both sides reviewed existing operations that already serve around 5,000 users in Rwanda. The discussions focused on scaling access nationwide, ensuring that more communities benefit from reliable, high-speed connectivity.
A key outcome of the talks was the finalisation of a spectrum agreement with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) and the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA). This deal paves the way for the installation of the country’s first Starlink gateway, which will be integrated into Rwanda’s national fiber backbone. The gateway is expected to deliver major improvements in speed, capacity and reliability, providing stronger internet coverage across both urban and rural regions.
The agreement places strong emphasis on digital inclusion, with specific plans to connect schools and underserved communities. Officials highlighted lessons from pilot projects in Rwanda as well as successful Starlink deployments in Mexico and Niger as guiding models. The partnership will also explore innovative financing models and donor collaborations to ensure long-term sustainability of the service.
Beyond bridging the digital divide, the expansion of Starlink is expected to bolster key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and rural service delivery. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy to harness satellite technologies as part of its national digital transformation agenda.