MASERU — Lesotho has granted a 10-year licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, according to an announcement made Monday by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA). The development comes just hours after the government dismissed claims of fast-tracking the process in exchange for easing U.S. trade tariffs.
Starlink, a satellite internet provider owned by Musk—an adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump—submitted its application in April 2024. The LCA described the approval as a major milestone in advancing digital connectivity in the southern African kingdom.
The licence approval follows a turbulent period for Lesotho, which earlier this month faced a 50 percent tariff on goods exported to the United States—the steepest imposed on any single country under Trump’s paused reciprocal tariff policy. Although Washington granted a temporary 90-day reprieve, lowering the rate to 10 percent last week, concerns remain high in Maseru.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane rejected claims that the Starlink licence was rushed to curry favour with U.S. authorities. He told journalists on Monday that there was no connection between Starlink’s application and Lesotho’s ongoing efforts to renegotiate the punitive tariffs.
His comments followed media reports quoting Prime Minister Sam Matekane, who suggested during an investment conference that obstacles to U.S. investment—including those affecting Starlink, energy, and hospitality projects—were being reviewed. Mpotjoane clarified that the prime minister’s statement referred to non-tariff barriers, not the current trade talks.
Lesotho’s government remains concerned about the economic fallout of the tariffs. Officials say over 12,000 jobs are at risk, particularly in the textile sector, which is the country’s largest private employer. The foreign ministry confirmed that a formal diplomatic appeal has been sent to Washington and that a delegation will travel to the United States to advocate for a longer-term resolution.
With a population of roughly 2.3 million, Lesotho relies heavily on textile exports and remittances. Though rich in mineral resources, the landlocked nation—entirely surrounded by South Africa—struggles with poverty and limited infrastructure.
Starlink, already operational in over 20 African countries including Somalia, which approved its licence just a day earlier, is expected to begin rolling out satellite internet services across Lesotho in the coming months.
