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Starlink Gets Green Light in Lesotho Amid Fears of Mass Job Losses
Lesotho has officially approved a 10-year operating licence for Starlink, the satellite internet service founded by tech billionaire Elon Musk. The announcement came on Monday, just hours after the government denied suggestions that it was fast-tracking the approval in response to punitive US tariffs.
Starlink’s approval is expected to accelerate digital connectivity in the mountainous kingdom, which has struggled with internet access despite its mineral wealth.
Licence approval follows US trade tension
Earlier this month, Lesotho was hit with a steep 50% tariff on exports to the United States, the highest imposed on any single country under a now-paused tariff list introduced by former US President Donald Trump. The rate was lowered to 10% last week for a temporary 90-day reprieve.
Amid the backlash, some reports suggested that Lesotho’s government was easing regulatory barriers to attract US investors and secure trade leniency. However, Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane rejected claims that Starlink’s licence was linked to these efforts.
“The licence application and the tariff negotiations should not be conflated,” Mpotjoane told the media.
Push to retain trade ties and protect jobs
Prime Minister Sam Matekane had earlier said that Lesotho was working to remove hurdles to investment in sectors such as energy, hospitality, and tech, including Starlink. However, Mpotjoane clarified that the PM was referring to broader non-tariff barriers that could strengthen international trade relations, especially with the US.
Lesotho’s textile industry, which is the country’s largest employer, is at risk due to the tariff hike. More than 12,000 jobs could be affected, prompting the government to send a delegation to the US to lobby for long-term relief.
The country’s foreign ministry has also issued a formal diplomatic note to Washington regarding the tariffs.
Starlink expands African presence
Starlink now operates in over 20 African nations, with Somalia becoming the latest to grant approval just a day before Lesotho’s announcement. The service is expected to enhance digital inclusion in Lesotho, one of the world’s poorest countries, where limited connectivity has long hampered development.
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Sourced:African Insider
