The green light has been given. Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, is now authorized to operate in Côte d’Ivoire. Frank R. Garcia, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for African Affairs, confirmed the announcement during an official visit to Abidjan on July 16, which also included the signing of multiple economic agreements.

Satellite internet to bridge the rural connectivity gap

Starlink will leverage its low-orbit satellite technology to provide high-speed internet to rural and remote areas of the country, as confirmed by the Ivorian Press Agency. The local subsidiary had previously secured a provisional 12-month license from the ARTCI, Côte d’Ivoire’s telecommunications regulator, to commence operations.

This move comes at a time when fixed internet coverage remains limited outside major urban centers like Abidjan and Bouaké. Unlike traditional broadband solutions, Starlink’s satellite constellation eliminates the need for extensive ground infrastructure, offering a scalable alternative for underserved regions.

170 million USD investment in a sovereign data center

The approval of Starlink coincides with a significant U.S. financial commitment to Côte d’Ivoire’s digital infrastructure. Cybastion, an American firm, has secured a $170 million financing guarantee from the U.S. Export-Import Bank to build the country’s first sovereign national data center, according to the Ivorian Press Agency.

Dubbed Cybastion, this project aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader digital transformation agenda, which includes modernizing public services and enhancing data sovereignty. The facility will serve as a secure hub for sensitive national data, reinforcing Abidjan’s position as a regional tech hub.

Three major agreements signed in a single visit

The embassy gathering facilitated the formalization of three distinct partnerships. In addition to Starlink and Cybastion, a $293 million deal was finalized with ABD Group to finance and develop critical infrastructure in health and education sectors.

A separate contract was also signed with NTELX to streamline truck coordination at the Port of Abidjan, aiming to optimize port logistics—a vital artery for the Ivorian economy. These initiatives underscore the depth of U.S.-Côte d’Ivoire economic collaboration.

Côte d’Ivoire’s digital ambitions

As West Africa’s leading Francophone economy with over 29 million inhabitants, Côte d’Ivoire has set ambitious digital goals in recent years. Government-led initiatives include the digitization of administrative services and the expansion of e-government platforms. However, internet penetration remains uneven, with rural areas in the north and west lagging behind urban centers.

Starlink’s entry could significantly narrow this digital divide, offering a lifeline to communities previously excluded from reliable connectivity. The service’s deployment reflects a broader trend of leveraging innovative technologies to foster inclusive growth.

Meeting with the Vice President

Frank R. Garcia also met with Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, to assess the economic partnership’s impact and future prospects. The discussions highlighted the strategic importance of diversifying international alliances to drive technological and infrastructural progress.

In a continent where major powers like China, France, and the U.S. vie for influence, Côte d’Ivoire’s proactive approach positions it as a key player in shaping West Africa’s digital future. The next milestones—Starlink’s full activation and the progress of the Cybastion data center—will be closely watched as indicators of the country’s evolving tech landscape.