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West Africa

Benin Seeks Collaboration with Starlink for Enhanced Internet Access

February 8, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

The Beninese government aims to leverage Starlink’s space technology to enhance internet access in under-served regions and promote digital inclusion. Conversations have centred on creating innovative digital solutions for e-education and e-health, which are key to social change, as well as improving connectivity for better border surveillance. This initiative aligns with the government’s goal to establish “Benin as the digital platform of West Africa,” viewing digital transformation as a critical driver for economic growth. However, the uptake of telecom services, especially the Internet, remains limited.

Digital inclusion is a key lever to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This partnership illustrates our commitment to modernize the country and reduce the digital divide for more inclusive and sustainable development, stated Romuald Wadagni, Benin’s Minister of State for Economy and Finance.

The Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) reports that Benin had 8.5 million unique mobile subscribers, translating to a 67% penetration rate. By the end of 2023, ARCEP estimated that there were 7 million unique Internet users, representing 55.4% of the population. The World Association of Telephone Operators noted that 3.8 million Beninese regularly accessed the Internet via mobile phones or 28% of the total population.

Addressing this digital divide offers numerous advantages, such as enhancing the value of agricultural products, facilitating access to global value chains, improving education and healthcare, lowering transaction costs, and increasing the efficiency, transparency, and governance of public services for citizens and businesses.

Although discussions between the Beninese government and Starlink regarding digital inclusion are in the early phases, the company is expected to commence commercial operations in the country by late 2023. No formal agreement has been reached yet, and it remains uncertain how underserved populations will benefit from this collaboration.

The Beninese authorities consider digital technology a cornerstone of the country’s socio-economic development, with recent efforts to recruit an expert to enhance the framework for digital public services.