Starlink — Elon Musk’s satellite internet service — remains officially blocked in Cameroon, with government officials citing security con...
Starlink — Elon Musk’s satellite internet service — remains officially blocked in Cameroon, with government officials citing security concerns and regulatory hurdles as reasons why it can’t operate legally. But in a recent interview, a prominent presidential candidate, Joshua Osih, shed some much-needed light on the real issues and what needs to happen for Cameroonians to finally get access to Starlink Internet.
During the November 2024 parliamentary session, the SDF presidential candidate questioned the Minister in charge of Post and Telecommunications, who explained that Starlink’s absence is a regulatory issue.
She said the government has informed Starlink of the requirements to operate in Cameroon and is waiting for them to comply.
But here’s the catch: regulatory tolerance is the norm in Cameroon — not the exception. If Starlink is not tolerated, it raises a bigger problem about how regulations are applied.
The minister also highlighted that Starlink is not incorporated in Cameroon, which presents challenges for accountability and security — they don’t have a registered office here, so it’s unclear how they would be held responsible if something goes wrong. Yet, the candidate wasn’t convinced by this explanation, pointing out that many people already use Starlink in Cameroon despite the ban, and there’s no law allowing authorities to seize Starlink equipment.
This is a classic case of “administrative tolerance,” where technology and services operate in a legal grey area because the government hasn’t adapted its laws to new realities. The candidate made a strong case that Cameroon’s current government is simply not ready for technology. Laws and regulations are stuck in the past, and the decision-makers don’t understand the tech landscape.
For example, recent efforts to regulate ride-sharing apps sparked public outrage, causing officials to backtrack — showing a disconnect between outdated regulation and modern tech-driven services. Meanwhile, Cameroonians themselves are ahead of the government. The rise of services like Yango, a ride-hailing app, has brought new opportunities, including safe transport options for women, which challenge traditional norms and open doors for more inclusive economic participation.
The candidate emphasized that for Cameroon to embrace technology like Starlink, the country first needs a change in leadership. A government that understands and supports innovation is critical. The people are ready; the government is not.
If Cameroon wants affordable, reliable internet for all, Starlink could be part of the solution — but only if the regulatory environment is updated, and if government leaders get on board with technology rather than resist it.
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