Analyzing the Role of Non-State Space Actors in African Geopolitics: Economic and National Security Implications of Starlink’s Influence

Abstract

The expansion of powerful non-state actors into the space and digital domains—most notably SpaceX through its Starlink satellite internet system—has triggered a significant transformation in global power relations and patterns of information access. On the African continent, where persistent digital divides and entrenched structural economic inequalities remain prevalent, the rapid provision of broadband connectivity presents a dual dynamic: it can function as a catalyst for economic growth while simultaneously reinforcing technological dependence and security vulnerabilities. This study moves beyond conventional infrastructural evaluations by offering a comprehensive analysis of Starlink’s implications for power configurations and economic structures across African states. To this end, a comparative qualitative–theoretical approach is employed, drawing on the analytical frameworks of neorealism and technological dependence theory. Data were gathered through documentary and library-based research, including institutional reports, economic indicators, and security assessments. The findings demonstrate that although Starlink possesses considerable capacity to expand internet access, enhance digital education, and intensify competition within national telecommunications markets, the prohibitive cost of its hardware and monthly subscription—when measured against average income levels—severely constrains equitable access for African households. Available statistics reveal that in many African countries, Starlink’s monthly subscription fee accounts for approximately 22 to 37 percent of gross national income per capita, substantially exceeding the affordability threshold established by the International Telecommunication Union. From a neorealist standpoint, this pattern underscores the persistence of hierarchical structures within the international system, wherein advanced technologies serve as instruments for extending the geopolitical influence of dominant powers, particularly the United States. Simultaneously, technological dependence theory highlights how reliance on externally controlled communication infrastructures has generated a new form of structural dependency in data flows and connectivity, thereby undermining Africa’s prospects for technological sovereignty. Beyond its economic dimensions, Starlink’s deployment also introduces emerging cybersecurity and national security concerns, including risks related to cross-border data surveillance, potential military utilization in conflict zones, and the facilitation of transnational criminal networks. Ultimately, while Starlink may contribute to strengthening the foundations of digital development in Africa, its expansion at the macro level reflects the continuation of asymmetric power and technology relations within the global system. This reality underscores the urgent necessity of advancing technology indigenization policies, establishing coherent regional regulatory mechanisms, and investing strategically in domestic and regional communication infrastructures.